Indeed a problem. It's a condition which leads to recurrent seizures.
Did you know that one in two hundred suffer a form of this at some time in their lives?
Can be a couple of seconds of a blank look. We used to call it a "petit mal" ... person blinks a little and twitches.
Or what we call a "grand mal" ... staring and stiffening of the body with thrashing or even violent movements. Mouth may take on a blue tinge and it lasts for minutes - not seconds. Person feels weak and drowsy afterwards.
(some people have these in their sleep and never even know about it..
- If you have such an episode and no further episodes for at least 8 weeks .. you'll probably never ever have another one. ... why we stop them from driving on medical grounds for at least 6 months to one year following a reported fit of these types ..and yes .. the neurologists in this rather over -large family are correctly draconian in this. )
The full blown version of this very unfortunate affliction (it's not a disease and people who suffer from it are articulate, intelligent and with the correct treatment .. they lead normal and productive lives) - we call this "complex partial". The person suffers from a number of attacks and even has some warning signs.. plucking at clothes, agitation and some confused state and angst.
OK - so what is it?
I'll keep it in simple non-medic terms as people understand it better (and I do not intend that to be as patronising as it may sound to the more sensitive members...
Am simply trying to explain in simplistic terms which anyone and everyone can understand - no point talking jargon .. as that makes us medics sound "pompous" - and I am most certainly not ..
)
We all have electrical activityin the nerve cells within our brains .. why we get tired if we stare at a computer screen or TV for long periods (also why it can trigger latent epilepsy - the ine -off type in particular.) Someone who suffers from this condition have an abnormal electrical activity in the nerve cells within.
Most certainly the sufferer has some scarring to the brain .. bang on head, infection ( a lurgy which attacks the brain can cause this scarring of the nerve cells to occur) ..
These are the most common causes of the single "mals"
Brain tumours and strokes can also cause this.
We are still researching causes and so far we can only detect definite causes in around 30-40% of cases.
If anyone suffers any such "mal" - then your NHS Trust should run an EEG scam to measure the electrical activity of your brain. .. We may even run a CT scan - giving us a computerised detail of your brain. An MRI scan will give us a detailed image of brain tissues.. and blood tests will reveal other causes.. low blood sugar ..kidney/liver failure can also trigger this.
We only medicate with anti-convulsants if you have two or more "episodes" in rapid succession.
What I suggest is //
never look for long periods at any flashing light.. TV screen or computer screen.
Stretch your legs. Read a newspaper. Screw your eyes tightly - cover with hands and open slowly three times. This recharges them.
Avoid becoming overtired.. relax .. chill out.
Eat and drink properly .. maintain a balanced diet with all your fave foods in moderation.
Make sure you eat and drink properly.. never indulge in any exercise - including gentle cycling and walking without proper "fuel".
Avoid anything which you know causes a headache .. and we all know some of us get headaches from too much sleep, wine, chocolate, certain foods and activities. Be aware of your SELF and your BODY.
Listen to your body as you do the car engine.
Listen to your body as you listen to fave music
Listen to your body as you listen out for dangers whilst on your bike.
Your body is your temple..
Your brain - your control mechanism.
The engine management system
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