Symptoms Of Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a disease in which the brain becomes prone to initiating epilepsy episodes. Depending on the form of epilepsy, a seizure may be accompanied by a variety of additional symptoms. These phases are temporary, with normalcy interspersed between seizures. The frequency and duration of seizures vary depending on the form of seizure.
Here are a few of the most common symptoms:
altered mental state
Frequently, unconsciousness accompanies epileptic seizures. Not all seizures, however, result in unconsciousness. This aspect is best described by the term altered state of consciousness. Consciousness is the measure of the capacity to sense external information, mentally process it, and then respond to it in the external environment. Any perturbation at any level of this step ladder induces a state of altered consciousness. Target of complex partial seizures and generalised seizures is consciousness.
Aura is an altered state of consciousness characterised by hallucinations or delusions. However, the patient is able to differentiate between hallucinations and actuality.
Various cognitive functions, such as coordinating actions, speaking, and remembering, may be impaired by a different state of altered consciousness. The patient may be oriented in time and space during this phase, but is unable to respond to his or her surroundings. Some patients are unable to recall their seizure. This condition is known as an amnestic dyscognitive seizure.
Ictal delirium is a more severe condition of consciousness alteration and a characteristic of status epilepticus. The patient has hallucinations and believes them to be real. Based on this false perception, all actions and responses to the external stimulus are altered.
Absence seizures are marked by complete loss of consciousness. The epileptic coma is a severe form of unconsciousness from which the patient cannot be awakened despite repeated stimulation.