Introduction
Epilepsy is one of the diseases that affect people including women in contemporary society; epilepsy is usually a neurological disorder that appears in the form of recurrent spontaneous seizures. A seizure is a typical interference in the electrical firing of the brain, causing brief changes in movement, reality, and conduct. In recent years, epilepsy has been witnessed among many women in the US, and it is regarded as one of the most common neurological conditions after migraine, Stroke, and Alzheimer, with reports indicating that about 10 percent of Americans are prone to developing epilepsy during their lifetime (Epilepsy and Seizure Facts par. 2). This paper will provide a discussion about epilepsy disease, including its facts, latest research, and treatments based on a case study of an affected patient.
Facts about Epilepsy
Although there are no conclusive evidence or etiology about the root cause of epilepsy, it is likely that severe injuries to the head, stroke, brain tumor, and genetic factors may predispose cases of epilepsy; other cases may arise from meningitis attack during conception or after birth (Engel 6). Early initiation of treatment following diagnosis of epilepsy is important in order to reduce chances of developing complications later in life. It is approximated that there is a 70 percent chance of success from the use of conventional medicine and surgery. Moreover, certain drugs are known to offer better results in managing the certain type of seizures. However, a referral is always important when drug treatment does not respond well to individual needs.
Latest Research
Genetic research is a new area that doctors have targeted to establish whether there is a genetic correlation with epilepsy. Other notable research have been done using MRI and brain imaging technology in order to identify the root causes of seizure in the brain. Efforts to control the seizure and recognize the significance of inflammation have made it easy to understand the condition with a view to providing lasting solutions (Engel 163).
Treatment and intervention
Engel reiterates the need to exercise rigor when identifying the right combination of a drug regimen that suits specific types of epilepsy, as notable achievements have been witnessed in treating epilepsy (12). Although there is no possible or identified cure for epilepsy, medication plays a great role in managing the condition. However, the treatment option does not usually benefit everyone. Therefore, there is a need for further research to improve the treatment and find lasting solutions to the cure of the disease.
There is increased emphasis on the need to address psychosocial factors in dealing with epilepsy instead of just concentrating on efforts to manage seizures. Access to accurate information is important, as it helps people with epilepsy to be enlightened and empowered in order to respond to various challenges they face. Being in control over their condition has a better psychological outcome. However, research is ongoing on the need to empower various parties in a concerted effort to ensure an informed community. Negative perceptions, which make the victims vulnerable to stigma, should be countered with a view to promoting positive adjustment in life. Other concerns should aim at empowering individuals to cope with the condition (Leppik 43).
Interview Discussion
Case study: patient X, Female 40 years old; Pharmacy Assistant
This interview involved a patient X who fell while climbing a doorpost at the age of 12 years. She landed with the forehead and the impact was severe, prompting the need for early diagnosis and treatment. No MRI or X-ray was done to establish the magnitude of the damage, save for first aid treatment from a nearby health facility. Initially, the patient suffered from frequent headaches, blurred vision, and fatigue, which were treated at the health facility. From the brief history provided by the family doctor, I probed the patient further and the findings were as discussed below.
Patient X was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 18 years, that is, 6 years after the fall that inflicted head injuries. A psychiatrist at a government health facility did the diagnosis. In relation to the symptoms, the patient initially suffered an absence seizure, which later progressed to a complex partial seizure, which affected her concentration in school; she also suffered frequent headaches and blurred vision. According to the patient, these symptoms had manifested in her for about 6 years, and only sought treatment after they became severe and increasingly disturbing. In trying to establish whether the condition was hereditary, the patient responded that none of her family members suffered from epilepsy or seizures, thus I established that the possible causes were trauma or debilitating conditions affecting the Neurons. The patient also indicated that she has sought a second opinion from counselors and faith leaders, with the latter advising her to go through faith healing.
After the failure of non-conventional treatments, the patient was put under Phenobarbital medication, which proved to suppress the condition, albeit marginally. However, the prognosis indicated treatment of complicated conditions such as cerebral malaria and meningitis when epileptic attacks became more frequent after doctors had tried differential diagnosis. The patient is still under Phenobarbital treatment; however, she is still not cured but her health condition has improved after she was enrolled in a local charitable mental health clinic that started her on a combined drug regimen. Major complications were noted when the patient suffered more repeated attacks that degenerated to a psychiatric disorder. This made the patient violent and aggressive, which would later make confinement an option to tame the irrational behavior. Emotionally, the patient was very disturbed, as she could not concentrate on learning, especially due to amnesia; she also lost self-confidence and esteem following episodes of collapsing in social places. Her family was not well informed about the condition, as it attributed it to a curse. This left them with very little to do and remained sympathetic and intolerant. Disbelief, anxiety, and fear were some of the mixed emotions that they had to fight with.
Various support groups have come to the aid of the patient. At the local NGO that supported the mental clinic, recovering patients were well informed of the condition and formed self-help groups that promoted their coping skills. Efforts were made by social workers and the clinician to educate them about the illness to help them cope and follow strict drug regimens to prevent attacks. They were educated further on the need to stay positive and be productive in society. In relation to the lessons learned, the patient did not have prior accurate information about the condition and believed she was ostracized. She recognized that with the right and accurate information about epilepsy, stigma and society’s negative perception could be countered a great deal. Finally, the patient admits that epilepsy is a condition like any other. Society should not scorn epilepsy and an epileptic person can fit well in the society and even participate meaningfully. Epilepsy is not associated with the curse and is manageable with advancement in treatment. The patient has since learned to cope with the condition. She has recognized the importance of attending all outpatients’ appointments and the following prescription appropriately.
Works Cited
Engel, Jerome. Seizures and Epilepsy. Oxford, Oxford University Press, 2013. Print.
Epilepsy and Seizure Facts 2011. Web.
Leppik, Ilo. Epilepsy: A Guide to Balancing Your Life. NY: ReadHowYouWant.com, 2010. Print.