What are the three steps in diagnosing epilepsy? First, when diagnosing epilepsy, we need to determine if it is indeed epilepsy. Second, we need to identify the type of epileptic seizure. Finally, we need to understand its cause. After mastering these three steps in epilepsy diagnosis, treatment becomes much easier.
Epilepsy Diagnosis in "Three Steps"
1. Determine the Type of Seizure
After confirming epilepsy, the next step is to classify the type of seizure. Different types of epilepsy require different treatments, and misclassification can lead to treatment failure. The symptoms exhibited during a seizure depend on the location and extent of abnormal electrical activity in the brain and how quickly it spreads.
2. Determine the Cause of Epilepsy
When diagnosing epilepsy in patients, it's important to first classify the epilepsy and epilepsy syndromes, as well as identify the cause for symptomatic epilepsy patients. Common causes include cortical developmental disorders, tumors, brain injuries, cerebrovascular diseases, central nervous system infections, parasites, genetic metabolic diseases, drugs, and systemic diseases.
3. Distinguish Between Epileptic and Non-Epileptic Seizures
After a patient exhibits seizure-like symptoms, the most crucial issue isn't treatment but confirming the diagnosis of epilepsy. Data shows that among refractory epilepsy patients, about 15% do not actually have epilepsy but rather non-epileptic seizures, which naturally won’t respond to epilepsy treatment. Many non-epileptic seizures also involve changes in consciousness, sensation, movement, and mental state, requiring differentiation from epileptic seizures, such as fainting, hysterical seizures, transient ischemic attacks, hypoglycemia, hypocalcemia, sleepwalking, psychiatric disorders, and movement disorders. In addition to detailed medical history, some related tests, like EEGs, may help with diagnosis. Video EEGs, which record both the patient's behavior and simultaneous brainwave changes during an episode, are particularly significant in distinguishing between epileptic and non-epileptic seizures. Furthermore, family videos provided by relatives often assist doctors in making accurate diagnoses.
★☆Source of this article: Epilepsy Treatment Center at Guangzhou Zijing Hospital http://www.gzzj120.com/
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