What does an EEG show for epilepsy?

What does an EEG show for epilepsy?

An EEG records the electrical activity of your brain via electrodes affixed to your scalp. EEG results show changes in brain activity that may be useful in diagnosing brain conditions, especially epilepsy and other seizure disorders.

What is normal EEG report?

Most waves of 8 Hz and higher frequencies are normal findings in the EEG of an awake adult. Waves with a frequency of 7 Hz or less often are classified as abnormal in awake adults, although they normally can be seen in children or in adults who are asleep.

Does abnormal EEG confirm epilepsy?

Also, many people who do have epilepsy will only have ‘abnormal’ activity on the EEG if they have a seizure at the time the test is happening. This is why having an EEG cannot diagnose epilepsy, and why EEGs are used alongside other tests and investigations.

Does EEG have any side effects?

EEG is a safe test with no side effects. However, a person with epilepsy may experience a seizure, triggered by the various stimuli used in the procedure, including the flashing lights. (This is not seen as a ‘complication’ by medical staff, because a seizure during an EEG can greatly help in diagnosis.)

Does epilepsy go away?

While many forms of epilepsy require lifelong treatment to control the seizures, for some people the seizures eventually go away. The odds of becoming seizure-free are not as good for adults or for children with severe epilepsy syndromes, but it is possible that seizures may decrease or even stop over time.

Can epilepsy be cured?

There’s no cure for epilepsy, but early treatment can make a big difference. Uncontrolled or prolonged seizures can lead to brain damage. Epilepsy also raises the risk of sudden unexplained death.

Is milk good for epilepsy?

Among different foods which may trigger the seizure occurrence, dairy products are major concerns because of excess use of a variety of them in dairy diet and several studies demonstrated cow’s milk protein allergy which may induce epilepsy [7].

Is epilepsy a mental illness?

Epilepsy is not a mental illness. In fact, the vast majority of people living with epilepsy have no cognitive or psychological problem. For the most part, psychological issues in epilepsy are limited to people with severe and uncontrolled epilepsy.

What foods should you avoid if you have epilepsy?

white bread; non-wholegrain cereals; biscuits and cakes; honey; high-sugar drinks and foods; fruit juices; chips; mashed potatoes; parsnips; dates and watermelon. In general, processed or overcooked foods and over-ripe fruits.

Does epilepsy worsen with age?

Epilepsy can develop at any age. Early childhood and older adulthood tend to be the most common life stages. The outlook tends to be better for people who develop epilepsy as children — there’s a chance they might outgrow it as they age. Developing epilepsy before the age of 12 increases this positive outcome..

What food is good for epilepsy?

“The ketogenic diet and modified Atkins diet are two that have been used successfully to reduce or prevent seizures.” The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet prescribed by doctors to treat epilepsy in some people.

What triggers epilepsy seizures?

Triggers can differ from person to person, but common triggers include tiredness and lack of sleep, stress, alcohol, and not taking medication. For some people, if they know what triggers their seizures, they may be able to avoid these triggers and so lessen the chances of having a seizure.

How many hours should a person with epilepsy sleep?

Get Enough Sleep There is a significant relationship between sleep deprivation and seizures in people with epilepsy. While individual sleep needs vary, the recommended amount of sleep for children is 10 to 12 hours per day, for teenagers 9 to 10 hours, and for adults 7 to 8 hours.

What causes night time seizures?

It’s believed that sleep seizures are triggered by changes in the electrical activity in your brain during certain stages of sleeping and waking. Most nocturnal seizures occur in stage 1 and stage 2, which are moments of lighter sleep. Nocturnal seizures can also occur upon waking.

Should you clear room during a seizure?

First Aid for Convulsive Seizures Keep calm and reassure other people who may be nearby. Don’t hold the person down or try to stop his movements. Time the seizure with your watch. Clear the area around the person of anything hard or sharp.

What are symptoms of a seizure?

What are the symptoms of a seizure?

• Staring.
• Jerking movements of the arms and legs.
• Stiffening of the body.
• Loss of consciousness.
• Breathing problems or stopping breathing.
• Loss of bowel or bladder control.
• Falling suddenly for no apparent reason, especially when associated with loss of consciousness.

What does a mini seizure feel like?

numbness, tingling, or a feeling that something is crawling on your skin. abdominal pain. rapid heart rate or pulse. automatisms (repetitive movements), such as picking at clothes or skin, staring, lip smacking, and chewing or swallowing.

Can you talk during a seizure?

People who have simple partial seizures do not lose consciousness. However, some people, although fully aware of what’s going on, find they can’t speak or move until the seizure is over. They remain awake and aware throughout. Sometimes they can talk quite normally to other people during the seizure.

Is epilepsy considered a disability?

Adults with epilepsy may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits. Because epilepsy isn’t necessarily disabling if it’s well-controlled, you will need to prove that your epilepsy interferes with your daily activities even though you’ve taken anticonvulsant medications as prescribed for at least three months.

Can someone with epilepsy be left alone?

One out of five people living with epilepsy lives alone, according to the Epilepsy Foundation. This is welcome news for people who want to live independently. Even if there is a risk of seizure, you can build a daily routine on your terms..

What is the best medication for epilepsy?

Many medications are used in the treatment of epilepsy and seizures, including:

• Phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek)
• Valproic acid (Depakene)
• Oxcarbazepine (Oxtellar, Trileptal)
• Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
• Gabapentin (Gralise, Neurontin)
• Topiramate (Topamax)
• Phenobarbital.
• Zonisamide (Zonegran)

Does epilepsy damage the brain?

Epilepsy is not contagious and is not caused by mental illness or mental retardation. Sometimes severe seizure can cause brain damage, but most seizures do not seem to have a detrimental effect on the brain. Epilepsy has many possible causes, from illness to brain damage to abnormal brain development.