ICU for Epilepsy
Overview
Epilepsy ranks as the fourth most prevalent neurological disorder globally. In individuals with epilepsy, repetitive seizures are triggered by abnormal electrical activity in the brain, impacting people of diverse ages, races, and ethnicities.
Various factors can disrupt normal nerve cell connections in the brain and induce seizures, such as high fever, low blood sugar, drug or alcohol withdrawal, or a brain concussion. Under these conditions, anyone can experience one or more seizures.
Our Epilepsy specialist Dr. Miguel Ley Nacher is not only skilled at advanced methods of diagnosing and treating the condition but also offers facilities in the ICU for epilepsy. He ensures that both adults and children under his care can embrace life to its fullest potential.
Understanding Epilepsy
Epilepsy is characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures. A diagnosis of epilepsy typically requires experiencing two unprovoked seizures or sometimes one unprovoked seizure with a high chance of more such occurrences.
It’s important to note that not all seizures are signs of epilepsy; they can also result from brain injury, genetic predisposition, or unknown causes. However, a diagnosis of epilepsy is established when a person has two or more recurrent unprovoked seizures.
However, a diagnosis of epilepsy is established when a person has two or more recurrent unprovoked seizures.
What are Seizures?
Seizures occur when there is a sudden increase in abnormal and excessive electrical activity in the brain, which can impact your appearance and behavior. The location and manifestation of the seizure can have significant consequences.
The term “epilepsy” is synonymous with “seizure disorders” but doesn’t specify the underlying cause or severity of the seizures. However, survival is the goal in the status of seizures, and thus in such extreme environments, ICU care may be necessary to help the patient regain independent control of basic life functions.
Symptoms of Seizures/Epilepsy
Signs or symptoms for which you may need ICU for Epilepsy:
- Gazing or staring
- Rapid, jerking movements in the arms and legs
- Body stiffness or rigidity
- Loss of consciousness
- Breathing difficulties or pauses in breathing
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Sudden falls without explanation, particularly with loss of consciousness
- Temporary unresponsiveness to sounds or speech