Health
Living with Epilepsy
If you, or a loved one, suffer from Epilepsy, you will already know what a scary and debilitating condition it can be. It is also very unpredictable and can present itself in different forms, and can also begin at any time of life. If you are undergoing tests or have recently been diagnosed with Epilepsy, here are a few facts that you may not know.
The medication you will be prescribed are known as anti-convulsants, very self explanatory. A seizure occurs when the electricity in your brain basically short circuits and this medication is designed to keep it the electricity levels calm and functioning normally. Which drug you are prescribed also depends on whether you have a full blown seizure or what is known as an absence. This is where you are in a state akin to a trance for a few moments, and you when you come out of it you may have done strange things or forgotten where you are. Seizures are split into two categories; Grand mal and petit mal. Grand mal is a full blown seizure where you lose consciousness and your limbs jerk uncontrollably for several minutes. A petit mal is over much quicker and there isn’t the confusion afterwards.
Most types of Epilepsy can be controlled with the right drug in the right dosage, but there are so many it many take a while to find the right one for you. There are, as with all medication, side effects which can be unpleasant for the unlucky few. These vary from moderate as in feeling nauseas, to quite major ones like developing dental problems. Swollen and receding gums commons are a nasty side effect of some medications, and an unpleasant odour similar to that of gum disease is emitted. Extra oral hygiene is essential if you suffer this side effect, as your teeth are more susceptible to decay as the food can get into the space where the gum has swollen away from the tooth. If you start experiencing a lot of toothache or pain around your wisdom teeth get it checked out by your doctor. They can’t cure your gums problems but can give great advice for keeping further problems at bay.
Epilepsy should be controlled; it shouldn’t control you or your quality of life. So keep trying the different drugs until you find the one that suits you, it will be worth it in the long run.