It is a known fact that the prevalence of epilepsy, which is seen in approximately 65 million people in the world, is between 0.5% and 1% in our country and in the world. Altınbaş University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Dr. Faculty Member Emir Ruşen pointed out that epilepsy is the most common neurological disease in children up to the age of 16. Making a statement on February 8, World Epilepsy Day, Dr. Emir Ruşen stated that epilepsy, also known as epilepsy, can occur at any age and time, but its incidence increases until the age of 16 and after the age of 65.
Stating that the observations of the parents play an important role in the diagnosis in childhood, where the disease is common, Dr. Emir Ruşen said, "If the child smacks his mouth from time to time, has sudden jumps and startles in his arms and legs, has a bad smell that no one has heard (for example, the smell of burnt rubber), or if the child occasionally squints or stares blankly for a few seconds, the families It is vital that they consult a neurologist.”
“Contraction in the body, lethargy, foaming at the mouth are among the symptoms”
Dr. Emir Ruşen gave information about the symptoms, saying that epilepsy, one of the most common chronic diseases in the world, can be eliminated with correct diagnosis and treatment. Explaining that there are sudden and uncontrolled discharges (discharges) in the neurons in the brain in epilepsy, Dr. Emir Ruşen said, “Suddenly occurring epileptic seizures can spread to the whole or a part of the brain and cause loss of consciousness, confused and involuntary movement disorders, vision and hearing loss. Convulsions in the body, intermittent fainting, lethargy, fear, panic, staring at a fixed point, confused look, loss of consciousness, foaming at the mouth, locking the jaw are the most important symptoms of epilepsy, which is a chronic disorder. Noting that epilepsy is a disease that comes in seizures, Dr. Emir Ruşen stated that the patient was a completely healthy person, except for seizures.
“The real reason may depend on many factors”
Stating that there can be many different factors that trigger epileptic seizures, Dr. Emir Ruşen stated that people with birth traumas, head traumas, difficult birth history, abnormalities in cerebral vessels, high fever diseases, excessively low blood sugar, intracranial tumors and brain inflammations are prone to seizures. He also mentioned that genetic factors should not be ignored and stated that people with close relatives who have epilepsy have a higher risk for the development of this disease.
“Epilepsy can be treated with regular follow-up and medication”
Emphasizing that the seizure type should be well described in order to diagnose epilepsy, Dr. Ruşen stated that for this reason, people who see the seizure are needed. Dr. Ruşen said, “The disease is followed by pediatric or adult neurologists. In order to diagnose the patient, tests such as EEG, MRI, computerized tomography and PET may be requested. "It is possible to treat epilepsy, and seizures can be prevented with medication," said Dr. For this reason, Ruşen warned that regular follow-up of the disease and drug use should not be interrupted.
“Do sports, eat healthy, avoid alcohol and cigarettes”
Giving information about what epilepsy patients should pay attention to, Dr. Ruşen said, “Uncontrolled seizures and their effects on your life can be overwhelming at times or lead to depression. In addition, healthy lifestyle choices should be made, such as managing stress, limiting alcoholic beverages and avoiding smoking. Emphasizing the importance of correct drug use, Dr. Ruşen said, “It is also important to get sleep. Lack of sleep can trigger a seizure. "Exercise can help you stay physically healthy and reduce depression," she said.
What occupations can epilepsy patients not do?
Dr. Emir Ruşen stated that epilepsy patients cannot do some professions that require attention. “Occupations such as piloting, diving, surgeon, working with cutting and drilling machines, professions that require working at height, mountaineering, vehicle driving, firefighting, and professions that require the use of weapons such as police and military cannot do. In addition, epilepsy patients should inform their workplaces about their disease.
“Patients with epilepsy are advised to have the Covid-19 vaccine”
Stating that the World Health Organization recommends epilepsy patients to be vaccinated if they do not have a special disability, Dr. Ruşen stated that there is no evidence showing that having epilepsy has a high risk of side effects against the Covid-19 vaccine. Pointing out that the risks of Covid-19 infection in epilepsy seem much heavier than the potential risks of the vaccine, Dr. Ruşen said, “As with other vaccines, fever can be seen after the Covid-19 vaccine. This may lower the epilepsy threshold in some people. Taking antipyretic drugs such as paracetamol after vaccination may reduce the risk. He also stated that it is important for patients to inform the relevant people about their condition before vaccination.
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