Epilepsy: Most Effective Dietary Supplements

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological condition characterized by recurring seizures. These seizures are caused by abnormal and excessive electrical activity in the brain, leading to various clinical manifestations such as convulsions, loss of consciousness, involuntary movements, as well as sensory or behavioral disturbances.

Pathophysiology of Epilepsy

Epilepsy occurs due to a disruption of normal electrical activity in the brain. Epileptogenic neurons exhibit hyperexcitability and abnormal synchronization, leading to excessive electrical discharges. This anomaly can originate from structural, genetic, or metabolic disorders. Epileptic seizures occur when the discharge threshold of neurons is lowered below a certain level, triggering synchronous activation of neuron groups.

Symptoms of Epilepsy

The symptoms of epilepsy vary depending on the type of seizure and the affected brain region. Generalized seizures affect both cerebral hemispheres and can manifest in various forms. Tonic-clonic seizures are characterized by muscle contractions followed by jerking. Absence seizures cause brief losses of consciousness without convulsions. Myoclonic seizures result in short and sudden muscle jerks, while atonic seizures cause a sudden loss of muscle tone, often leading to falls. Focal seizures, on the other hand, affect only a specific region of the brain. Simple focal seizures do not cause loss of consciousness, but they may involve movements.

Etiologies of Epilepsy

The causes of epilepsy are diverse. Genetically, hereditary anomalies can affect neuronal function. Structural causes include brain injuries from trauma, strokes, congenital malformations, or tumors. Epilepsy may also be caused by infections of the central nervous system, such as meningitis or encephalitis. Electrolyte imbalances or congenital metabolic diseases may also be responsible for the condition. Lastly, immunological causes such as autoimmune encephalopathies (for example, Hashimoto's encephalopathy) can contribute to the onset of epilepsy.

Treatment of Epilepsy

The goal of epilepsy treatment is to control seizures and improve patients' quality of life. Antiepileptic medications like carbamazepine, valproate, and lamotrigine play a key role in stabilizing neuronal electrical activity. For focal epilepsy resistant to medicinal treatments, surgical intervention may be considered to remove the epileptogenic zone of the brain. Furthermore, the ketogenic diet, rich in fats and low in carbohydrates, has proven effective for some patients, particularly children. Another approach is vagus nerve stimulation, an implanted device that reduces seizure frequency by stimulating the nerve. Finally, behavioral and psychological therapies can be implemented to help patients manage the psychological and social aspects of the condition.