Epilepsy is the world’s fourth most common neurological illness. Epilepsy is a neurological condition characterized by recurrent, spontaneous seizures. Abnormal electrical discharges in a group of brain cells cause seizures. Such discharges can occur in many areas of the brain.
Causes of Epilepsy
Even though various underlying disease mechanisms can cause epilepsy, the condition’s origin is still unclear in approximately 50% of cases worldwide. Stroke, head injuries, hereditary disorders, and brain tumors are all common causes of epilepsy.
Prevention
The World Health Organization (WHO) states that nearly 25% of “epilepsy cases are potentially preventable.” By avoiding head injuries brought on by falls, accidents, and sports, post-traumatic epilepsy can be avoided. Prevention of post-traumatic epilepsy also includes:
- Taking action to avoid or manage diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity,
- Vaccines
- Proper perinatal care and maintaining your health throughout pregnancy.
WHO says that “Up to 70% of people living with epilepsy could become seizure-free with appropriate use of anti-seizure medicines’’. In general, ceasing the anti-epileptic medication can be considered after two years without any seizures; however, relevant medical history should be examined.
Treatment on the Rise: Thermal Ablation Surgery
Thermal Ablation Surgery has lately gained popularity in the treatment of epilepsy. Thermal ablation is also known as laser interstitial thermal treatment or LITT. It is a less intrusive operation for persons with epilepsy who are carefully selected. It does not, unlike traditional treatments, involve removing parts of the skull to remove a small section of the brain that is causing the seizures. LITT uses laser technology to remove the brain cells that cause seizures. Since the treatment focuses energy on a specific brain location, the brain tissue can be removed with extreme precision.
The LITT technique has become a viable alternative for those who have made minimal progress on seizure medications or those who have seizures caused by lesions. LITT may be an appropriate procedure for some people. However, we encourage individuals to consult their specialists about the benefits, risks, and eligibility for LITT and all other types of surgery.
If you or someone you know is searching for more support to help enhance one’s quality of life, please contact the organization(s) listed below:
- Moms In Motions: What Are Waivers?: https://momsinmotion.net/waivers/what-are-waivers/
- Inova Epilepsy Center: https://www.inova.org/our-services/inova-epilepsy-center
References:
Authored By:Adriana Bermeo-Ovalle MDMohamad Koubeissi MDStephan U. Schuele MD, By:, A., Adriana Bermeo-Ovalle MDMohamad Koubeissi MDStephan U. Schuele MD, By:, R., & Andres M. Kanner MDElaine Wirrell MD. (n.d.). Litt thermal ablation. Epilepsy Foundation. Retrieved February 20, 2023, from https://www.epilepsy.com/treatment/surgery/types/litt-thermal-ablation#:~:text=Thermal%20ablation%20is%20also%20called,to%20a%20specific%20brain%20region
Inova Epilepsy Center. Inova. (n.d.). Retrieved February 20, 2023, from https://www.inova.org/our-services/inova-epilepsy-center
Organization, W. H. (n.d.). Epilepsy. World Health Organization. Retrieved February 20, 2023, from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/epilepsy