• Age: it occurs most often in children and the elderly but can occur at any age. In older people, it is usually due to vascular damage to the brain and neurodegenerative disease. In the case of children, it is usually idiopathic.

 

• Brain injury: as a result of trauma, tumours, malformations, vascular lesions, infections…

Symptoms will vary depending on the area of the brain where the disease is activated.

• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness
• Limb involvement
• Visual disturbances
• Disturbance in sense of smell
• Sound distortion
• Pins and needles
• Hallucinations

Fortunately, an increasing number of treatments are available to control this condition. Although it cannot be completely cured, thanks to treatment most patients can lead a completely normal life.

In 70% of cases treatment is usually medication which effectively controls epileptic seizures. This treatment must also be associated with a healthy lifestyle.

When epilepsy does not respond to drug therapy, some patients may opt for surgical treatment. Surgery can be of two types:

• Resective, in which the tissue causing the epileptic seizures is removed. It is only indicated for focal epilepsy.
• Functional, in which a device (vagus nerve stimulator) is implanted, achieving a reduction in the frequency and intensity of seizures through periodic electrostimulation of the vagus nerve.

In the event that this option is not feasible, other alternatives may be considered, such as the ketogenic diet.