Types Of Epilepsy: Everything You Should Know

Epilepsy is a disease caused by an imbalance in the electrical activity of neurons in some areas of the brain. Something that not everyone knows, however, is that there are different types of epilepsy.

According to the  Commission on Classification and Terminology of the International League Against Epilepsy  , it is characterized by the  occurrence of recurrent seizures,  which have both neurobiological, cognitive and psychological effects.

Despite being one of the oldest diseases in history, many of its dynamics are unknown. For this reason, various research projects are about the importance of this disorder.

As a consequence, the  field of medicine found it essential to categorize the types and patterns of epilepsy in order to learn how to deal with it effectively.

The epidemiology of epilepsy

There are three very important aspects when it comes to this disease. First, we need to learn what causes it and how to treat it. Secondly, it is important to know how it is prevalent in the world. The World Health Organization published some statistics on epilepsy globally. Let’s look at them:

• It is estimated that more than 50 million people have been diagnosed with epilepsy worldwide.
• Depending on the age of the patient and the geographical area, the incidence varies from 4 to 10 patients per 1000 people. It is important to note that  these figures are twice as high in poor countries.
• About 80% of patients with epilepsy live in places where the economy is still developing.
• 70% of individuals with epilepsy can live without seizures if the disease is treated properly. However, in certain areas of the world, three quarters of patients are not treated for the rest of their lives.
• People with epilepsy have three times the risk of dying compared to the general population.

It is safe to say  that this data is disturbing. Epilepsy can be treated with drugs, but many people do not have the means to get them and relieve this disease. For all these reasons, it is important to know how to identify epilepsy, and educate the general population in its effects.

Types of epilepsy

According to the  Andalusian Epilepsy Society  and the  International League Against Epilepsy  (ILAE), there are two primary variants of this disorder. One of them is defined by its general character traits and the other has a more focal nature.

Generalized seizures

Below we will summarize the different types of generalized epilepsy:

• Generalized tonic-clonic seizures. A sudden loss of consciousness is its primary characteristic. It causes to start with a general stiffness in the body (tonic phase) and then rhythmic movements (clonic phase), There may be other symptoms during these seizures, such as biting the tongue, urination and injuries when falling to the ground. It is the most obvious and most serious type of this disease.
• Absences. It is characterized by loss of consciousness with immobility and fixed gaze for a few seconds. It is easily tolerated, but it can take place several times a day.

• Myoclonus. It is based on sudden cramps throughout the body or in part of it (especially in the upper extremities). It makes the person fall.
• Atonic seizures. Loss of muscle tension, falls and an immediate loss of consciousness.

With the exception of tonic-clonic seizures, the rest of the generalized seizures are immediate with rapid recovery. Much of the danger lies in the activity that the person does when the seizure occurs.

Focal seizures

These types depend on the area of ​​the brain where the neurological electrical imbalances occur. There are different types based on their manifestations.

• Without affecting consciousness (simple partial seizures). Part of the body begins to shake for a few seconds or minutes. They can manifest as intense tingling, strange thoughts or the presence of light before the eyes.

• With altered consciousness (complex partial seizures). It is reminiscent of the previous type. However, there is loss of consciousness in this case. The difference from the generalized type is the fact that the person does not fall to the ground since there is no loss of muscle tension. Yet they feel intensely cut off from reality.
• Bilateral seizures. It occurs when a focused epileptic seizure spreads from the focal point to the entire surface of the brain.

Causes and treatment

The causes of epilepsy are several. Many studies bring together the advances that science has made in recent decades in order to understand the mechanisms of action and the underlying causes of this disorder. The World Health Organization cites some of the most common causes. Let’s look at what they are.

• Brain damage from injuries during pregnancy or during the birth itself.
• Congenital malformations at a neurological or genetic level.
• Head injuries.
• Stroke (in the bloodstream), which limits the supply of necessary oxygen to the brain.
• Brain infections such as cysticercosis (invasion of taenia solium larvae, which creates cysts between neurons).
• Tumors in the brain.

According to the  Handbook of Epilepsy Treatment  , all patients’ medications are based on the use of antiepileptic drugs. These drugs try to eliminate the occurrence of seizures with a minimal number of side effects.

In addition, these drugs are quite inexpensive. Despite this, many people in developing countries cannot afford them. In addition, their administration is easy without major complications, which certainly facilitates the treatment.

Types of epilepsy: What to remember

Epilepsy refers to an  increase in electrical activity  in a general or focused area of ​​the brain. As you can see, there are different types by their nature in addition to other categorizations based on the effects that patients with epilepsy have during these seizures.

In a way, access to affordable treatments conditions this disorder. Unfortunately, a significant percentage of the population is unable to obtain these. In short, it is really important to teach the types of epilepsy in order to improve the quality of life of these patients.