Epilepsy About Epilepsy Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disorder, and it is characterised by recurrent seizures (i.e. fits). Seizures may be generalised or partial. They may present differently, from loss of consciousness with jerking and stiffening of the entire body or even sudden staring into space. Typical causes of epilepsy Scar Epilepsy Seizures due to scar tissue in the brain after head injury, tumour, stroke or surgery, resulting in interference of electrical signalling. Childhood Epilepsy Seizures due to congenital disorders or due to brain damage after birth. Status Epilepticus Seizures lasting for a long period (> 20mins) or when multiple consecutive seizures occur without regaining consciousness in between.
How to react to a seizure? Seizures can result in falls, temporary loss of bowel and bladder control, and choking. It is thus important to quickly identify seizures and ensure the safety of the person. Stay calm. Do NOT put anything in the mouth or restrain the person. Do NOT perform CPR unless the person stops breathing and only after the seizure ends.
Treatment and Management Medical Therapy Medical therapy utilises anti-epileptic medications to prevent seizures. However, seizures can occur despite the use of medications. These seizures are known as breakthrough seizures and they happen when drug concentration in the body is too low. Breakthrough seizures can be avoided by
Establishing routines to ensure medication is taken on time
Maintaining supplies to avoid running out of medication.
Adhering to the recommended medicine dosage
Physiotherapy Aerobic exercise like brisk walking or cycling can reduce the impact of epilepsy, reduce seizure occurrences, and improve overall health and wellbeing. Persons with epilepsy can increase fitness, reduce stress and fatigue, improve mood and sleep with regular exercise. Exercise has also been shown to reduce side effects of antiepileptic medications, reduce the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, depression and anxiety.
It is a common misconception that exercise can cause seizures, and many studies have shown seizure occurrence does not increase with exercise or even sports. When participating in exercises, continue to avoid your known seizure triggers such as lack of sleep, dehydration, or low blood sugar levels. Consult your physiotherapist for a specific exercise programme or if you are keen on returning to sports.
Here is an example of an exercise programme: Type
Duration
Example
Warm Up
10 minutes
Marching on the spot
Aerobic Exercise
30 minutes x 5x/week
Brisk walking
Strengthening
6 exercises x 2x/week
Squats / Push ups
Cool Down
5 minutes
Stretches
Disclaimer: Exercises illustrated and instructed in this handout are strictly for designated patient based on the assessment and instruction of the therapist. If you have any doubts, please contact your therapist.
Yishun Health is a network of medical institutions and health facilities in the north of Singapore, under the National Healthcare Group. Admiralty Medical Centre • (65) 6807 8000 • www.admiraltymedicalcentre.com.sg Khoo Teck Puat Hospital • (65) 6555 8000 • www.ktph.com.sg Yishun Community Hospital • (65) 6807 8800 • www.yishuncommunityhospital.com.sg The information is correct at the time of printing and subject to revision without further notice.
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