Epilepsy

Gambaran umum

Epilepsy is a brain condition that causes repeated seizures. A seizure is a sudden burst of electrical activity in the brain that can affect how you feel, move, or behave for a short time. Most people with epilepsy can manage their seizures with treatment.

Yes, epilepsy is common. Around 1 in 100 people worldwide have epilepsy. It affects people of all ages, from babies to older adults.

Epilepsy can affect anyone, but it most often starts in childhood or in people over 60. It is slightly more common in males than females.

Gejala

Gejala umum

• Temporary confusion or staring into space
• Uncontrollable jerking movements of the arms and legs
• Loss of awareness or consciousness
• Strange sensations such as tingling, smelling something unusual, or feeling a sense of déjà vu

Gejala pada anak-anak

• Brief episodes of staring (absence seizures), often mistaken for daydreaming
• Sudden falls without warning
• Repeated blinking or chewing motions during a seizure

Gejala pada lansia

• Confusion or memory lapses that may be mistaken for dementia
• Falls that are not explained by other causes
• Unusual sensations or hallucinations

Penyebab

Penyebab utama

• Genetics — some types of epilepsy run in families
• Brain injury, such as a severe head injury or stroke
• Brain infections, like meningitis or encephalitis
• Brain conditions present at birth, such as malformations
• Brain tumours or other structural changes in the brain

Faktor risiko

• Having a family history of epilepsy
• A past head injury or brain infection
• Having a stroke or other vascular disease
• Being born with certain genetic conditions
• Having dementia or Alzheimer's disease

Kapan harus ke dokter

Segera temui dokter jika:

• Any first seizure — even if it was brief — because it needs a medical evaluation
• Seizures that become more frequent or more severe than usual
• Seizures that last longer than a few minutes (see emergency section)

Buat janji temu rutin jika:

• If you have had two or more unprovoked seizures, you should see a GP or neurologist for diagnosis
• If you have a known epilepsy diagnosis and need a medication review
• If you experience side effects from your epilepsy medicines

Diagnosis

A doctor, usually a neurologist, will diagnose epilepsy by taking a detailed history of your seizures, asking about your symptoms and triggers. They will also order tests to rule out other causes and to look for abnormal brain activity.

Tes yang mungkin dilakukan

• Electroencephalogram (EEG) — a test that records the electrical activity of the brain; it is painless and non-invasive
• Blood tests — to check for infections, low blood sugar, or other conditions that can cause seizures
• Brain scans (MRI or CT) — to look for structural problems like tumours, strokes, or scars

Apa yang diharapkan saat janji temu

Diagnosing epilepsy can take time. You may need to see a specialist and have several appointments. The doctor will want to understand the types of seizures you have and how often they happen. They will also discuss possible triggers and how to stay safe.

Perawatan

Treatment for epilepsy aims to stop seizures or reduce how often they happen. Most people take medication every day to control their seizures. Others may have surgery or other therapies if medication does not work well enough. Your doctor will work with you to find the best plan.

Perawatan mandiri di rumah

• Get enough sleep — lack of sleep is a common seizure trigger
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques, exercise, or talking to someone
• Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs, as they can increase seizure risk
• Take your medication exactly as prescribed — never stop suddenly without talking to your doctor
• Keep a seizure diary to track patterns and triggers

Perawatan medis

The main treatment is anti-seizure medication (also called anticonvulsants). There are many types, and your doctor will choose one based on your seizure type, age, and other health conditions. Most people need to take medication every day. If medications do not control seizures, other options include a ketogenic (high-fat, low-carbohydrate) diet, vagus nerve stimulation (a device placed under the skin), or responsive neurostimulation. These treatments are usually managed by a specialist epilepsy team.

Kapan operasi dipertimbangkan?

If seizures continue despite trying several medications, brain surgery may be an option. Surgery removes the small part of the brain where seizures start. It can be very effective for some people, but it is only suitable for certain types of epilepsy.

Hidup dengan kondisi ini

Living with epilepsy involves taking steps to stay safe while still enjoying life. Most people keep working, studying, and socialising. You may need to take extra care during activities like swimming or cooking. It is also important to tell close friends, family, and work colleagues about your condition so they know what to do if you have a seizure.

Tips gaya hidup

• Always wear a medical ID bracelet or carry a card that says you have epilepsy
• Avoid risky activities unless your seizures are well controlled (e.g., scuba diving, climbing heights alone)
• If you drive, you must stop driving and tell your driving agency after a seizure — you may be able to resume after a seizure-free period
• Try to maintain a regular sleep schedule

Diet dan olahraga

Regular exercise is safe and beneficial for most people with epilepsy. Just take standard precautions like staying hydrated. There is no special diet needed unless your doctor recommends the ketogenic diet for hard-to-control seizures. Eating a balanced, healthy diet supports overall well-being.

Kesehatan mental dan kesejahteraan emosional

Living with epilepsy can be stressful and may lead to anxiety or depression. It is common to worry about having a seizure or about how others see you. Talking to a counsellor, joining a support group, and staying connected with loved ones can really help. If you feel down or anxious a lot, speak to your GP or epilepsy nurse.

Pencegahan

In many cases, epilepsy cannot be prevented. But you can reduce your risk of some types by protecting your head (wearing a helmet when cycling or riding a motorcycle) and by getting prompt treatment for brain infections. For people who already have epilepsy, avoiding known triggers (like sleep deprivation or alcohol) can help prevent seizures.

Komplikasi

Jika tidak diobati

• Injury from falls or accidents during a seizure
• Status epilepticus — a seizure that lasts longer than 5 minutes or repeated seizures without recovery, which is a medical emergency
• Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) — this is rare, but the risk is higher if seizures are not well controlled
• Memory problems and difficulty concentrating over time

Prospek jangka panjang

With the right treatment, most people with epilepsy can have few or no seizures and lead full, active lives. Around 7 in 10 people become seizure-free with medication, and some eventually stop needing medication altogether. Even if seizures continue, there are many ways to manage them and reduce risks. Epilepsy is a condition to live with, not a sentence to fear.

Cari dukungan

Organisasi internasional

• International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) ↗
• Epilepsy Foundation International ↗

Organisasi lokal

• Epilepsy Action (UK) ↗ · United Kingdom
• Epilepsy Society (UK) ↗ · United Kingdom

Saluran bantuan

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