Causes of development and provoking factors of epilepsy

Epilepsy is a serious chronic disease characterized by uncontrolled spontaneous seizures of various types. The disease may be congenital or acquired.

The first epileptic seizures can occur at any age; their development is due to many reasons: from genetic predisposition to previous neuroinfections and traumatic brain injuries.

There are certain provoking factors, the presence of which can increase the likelihood of epileptic seizures. If they are present, the patient needs to regularly visit a neurologist to prevent attacks and receive timely medical support.

Causes of the disease

Epilepsy can be idiopathic or symptomatic in nature. The reasons for the development of idiopathic epilepsy remain unclear. The pathology can be diagnosed in people both at an early and mature age, but is most often found in children. Scientists believe that one of the most likely causes of idiopathic epilepsy is hereditary predisposition.

The occurrence of symptomatic epilepsy is associated with one or another negative circumstance that has a negative impact on the structures of the brain. Thus, an epileptic attack is provoked by the following factors:

• repeated flashes of light and color;
• repetitive sounds;
• bright changing pictures, video effects;
• poisoning of various kinds;
• consumption of alcoholic beverages, drugs;
• taking certain medications;
• oxygen starvation;
• hypoglycemic attack - when there is a sharp drop in blood sugar levels.

You need to know that an epileptic seizure in a healthy person can be caused by one of the last three reasons.

Causes of epilepsy in adolescents

Epilepsy in adolescence is most often a continuation of a disease that began in childhood. Epileptic seizures in adolescents can either increase or decrease. Puberty is associated with global changes in the body, preparation for growing up and puberty. Therefore, it is quite difficult to predict how epilepsy will manifest itself.

The appearance of symptomatic (secondary) epilepsy in adolescence is usually caused by the following negative factors:

• infectious disease of the brain (meningitis, encephalitis);
• traumatic brain injury;
• severe intoxication with alcohol, drugs or chemicals;
• thyroid diseases;
• metabolic disorders.

Epilepsy manifests itself in specific seizures that occur spontaneously and cannot be controlled. If more than one attack occurs, you must immediately consult a neurologist.

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Bibliography

1. Mukhin, K.Yu. Definition and classification of epilepsy. Project classification of epileptic seizures 2016 / K.Yu. Mukhin - Text: immediate // Russian Journal of Child Neurology, 2022. - No. 12. - P. 8-19.
2. Rudakova, I.G. Epilepsy. Fundamentals of diagnostics and therapy / I.G. Rudakova, S.V. Kotov, Yu.A. Belova - Text: direct // Almanac of Clinical Medicine, 2004.- P303-315.
3. Epilepsy: WHO fact sheet: [Global website]. – Geneva, 2019 – URL: (access date: 09/26/2021). — Text: electronic.

Author:

Pugonina Tatyana Alekseevna, Therapist

Provoking factors in children

Epilepsy is not considered a childhood disease, but is more often diagnosed at an early age. Depending on the form of the disease, it can manifest itself in different ways. Epilepsy is accompanied by convulsions and loss of consciousness.

The most common causes of epilepsy in children are:

• neck and head injuries during birth;
• hypoxia (oxygen starvation) of the fetus;
• infectious diseases suffered by the mother during pregnancy;
• maternal abuse of alcohol and drugs during pregnancy.

The disease can appear in a child immediately after birth or several years later. Minor convulsive movements in children under three months of age may be a consequence of an immature nervous system. However, if they are present, you should consult a neurologist to exclude pathology. If seizures continue to appear after three months of life, intensify and occur spontaneously, it is necessary to show the child to a pediatric neurologist.

Parents need to pay attention to the following symptoms in their child:

• fading;
• loss of concentration;
• no reaction to stimuli;
• high temperature;
• fainting;
• lethargy;
• headache;
• nausea;
• stomach ache;
• dizziness.

If these symptoms occur, call a doctor immediately or take your child to the hospital.

Treatment and prevention of epilepsy

Primary prevention of epilepsy comes down to avoiding its external causes: craniocerebral herbs, infections, poisoning, including alcohol or drugs, careful management during childbirth, avoiding hypoxia and birth trauma, timely reduction of body temperature to avoid febrile convulsions.
Correctly selected therapy in most cases reduces the frequency and severity of attacks if anticonvulsants are taken systematically and carefully. A prolonged convulsive attack can be stopped with injections, for example, diazepam, relanium. Continuous treatment is prescribed by a neurologist with drugs from the group of anticonvulsants: carbamazepine, topiramate, valproate. To increase treatment adherence, long-acting forms of drugs are used. The dose is controlled by the doctor depending on the patient's condition (start of treatment, fever, kidney disease). It is impossible to select and purchase them yourself without a prescription.

In cases of development of encephalopathies, mental equivalents of convulsive seizures and epileptic personality changes, therapy is supplemented by a psychiatrist. If conservative treatment does not help, neurosurgery is sometimes resorted to.

Provoking factors in adults

Hereditary forms of epilepsy do not always appear at an early age. There are cases where patients of older age groups experienced their first epileptic attack, and upon examination it turned out that there was a genetic predisposition.

The occurrence of epileptic seizures in adulthood is provoked by other factors:

• suffered a stroke;
• brain tumors;
• multiple sclerosis;
• metabolic disorders;
• infectious diseases with brain damage (meningitis, encephalitis, etc.);
• alcohol, drugs and other intoxications.

Traumatic brain injuries can cause epilepsy in people of any age. Damage to the bones of the skull, hemorrhage in the brain and disruption of the integrity of soft tissues may be accompanied by the development of pathological processes with secondary epilepsy.

Often the attack is accompanied by dislocations and fractures. Seizures can also be vegetative - without loss of consciousness or convulsions. They are characterized by the following types of symptoms:

• increased heart rate;
• excessive sweating;
• flatulence and cramping abdominal pain.

Nonconvulsive epilepsy can be caused by factors such as predisposition and exogenous influences. Epilepsy in adults is treatable. Only an accurate diagnosis in the early stages can guarantee success.

Why is it developing?

The brain is a complex organ. to name exactly what causes epilepsy has. Any malfunction of the brain systems can cause an attack of epilepsy . Among the most common factors, doctors name:

• heredity;
• TBI;
• alcoholism;
• infectious brain lesions;
• impaired cerebral circulation;
• benign and malignant formations in the skull;
• birth injuries;
• hormonal imbalances and so on.

Sometimes, when epilepsy develops, the causes of the disease remain unknown - numerous examinations do not bring results. In this case we are talking about idiopathic pathology.

The first signs of epilepsy

Often, the patient and his family are not aware of the presence of epilepsy until the first attack. It can be quite difficult to determine the reasons for its development and the specific irritant for the first time, however, the fact that an epilepsy attack is approaching can be suspected if the patient has certain signs:

• headache a few days before an epileptic seizure;
• sleep disorders;
• severe stress;
• nervousness and irritability;
• decreased appetite;
• loss of appetite.

During a convulsive attack, muscle tension and lack of response to any irritants are noted - patients do not hear sounds, do not respond to touch, pain, their pupils do not narrow or dilate. After an epileptic seizure, people become lethargic and drowsy; to restore strength and normalize their condition, they need rest and good sleep.

Choice of treatment tactics

Based on the collected data, the doctor makes a decision on drug or surgical treatment of a certain type of disease. Let us remember that there is a pathology that cannot be treated with medications, so it is an indication for surgical intervention.

Often, to get a detailed understanding of the nature of the disease, doctors interview the patient’s relatives and ask them to describe the characteristics of the attacks; sometimes they ask them to make a home video in order to familiarize themselves with them. After analyzing all the obtained indicators, the doctor decides to conduct individual therapy using drugs that stop seizures.

Epilepsy in adolescents: symptoms

Epilepsy is characterized by a disturbance in the activity of cells in the brain, when the excitation of neurons prevails over the processes of inhibition. As a result, epileptic seizures occur, which are very diverse in their manifestation. In adolescents, focal seizures are most common, possibly with secondary generalization, but generalized seizures are not excluded.

Focal epileptic seizures occur in a specific area of ​​the brain and affect neighboring tissues. The clinical picture of an epileptic seizure in a teenager will depend on the area where the pathological arousal originates:

• Temple area. Epilepsy most often affects this part of the brain. During an epileptic attack, the patient may experience strange, uncontrollable feelings and emotions. Increased anxiety occurs;
• frontal region. Patients develop muscle weakness and speech impairment. Epileptic seizures often occur during sleep, which is accompanied by turns of the head, chaotic movements of the legs;
• parietal region. Patients experience sensory attacks: a person may feel tingling in the limbs, warmth or cold, numbness in some parts of the body;
• occipital region. An epileptic attack disrupts the functioning of the visual organs. The patient's eyeballs begin to move from side to side and the eyelids twitch. Flashes of light, patterns, images appear before your eyes. An epileptic attack is often accompanied by pain. Before and after the attack, the patient may have a severe headache.

During a generalized attack, pathological arousal affects the entire brain. This type of epilepsy significantly impairs the quality of life, as it is associated with the risk of injury to the head or face during an attack. Generalized epilepsy is usually accompanied by an aura - subjective sensations that predict an attack. Among generalized attacks there are:

• tonic-clonic. The attack begins with a tonic phase, when the whole body tenses sharply and an involuntary cry can escape. Next, the patient experiences convulsive twitching. During an attack, a person may lose consciousness. An epileptic attack usually does not last long (up to five minutes), after which the person feels very tired or may fall asleep. Tonic-clonic seizures, in addition to the main problems, cause significant psychological discomfort to the teenager. Anxiety increases because it is impossible to predict when the next attack will occur. Self-doubt develops, and it is difficult for the teenager to socialize.
• absence seizures. A characteristic feature of this type of attack is a loss of consciousness for several seconds or minutes. The person freezes and does not respond to external stimuli. Absence seizures may be accompanied by involuntary twitching of the fingers and facial muscles. Absence seizures create difficulties for learning in a group, since during an attack the teenager misses some of the information presented by the teacher. The attack occurs suddenly, sometimes without an aura. In this case, a person can interrupt mid-sentence, and after the attack ends, continue the conversation.
• atonic attacks. In this case, the muscles sharply lose tone and the person falls. There is a high chance of being seriously injured during an attack.

The nature of epileptic seizures usually remains stereotypical. As the disease progresses without adequate therapy, attacks will become more frequent and their intensity will increase.

First aid

If you witness an epileptic attack, you should definitely know how first aid for epilepsy . The first rule of help is no panic. Don't scream or call someone for help . It is enough to follow a simple algorithm of actions to provide assistance.

1. Lay the patient down. The surface should preferably be soft. If there is no one nearby, you should put a jacket or handbag under your head - this will prevent injury.
2. Turn your head to the side. She must be held in this position until the end of the attack. The lateral position will prevent you from choking on vomit or saliva.
3. Hold your limbs, but not with all your strength, because you cannot resist the cramps.
4. epilepsy should not try to open a clenched jaw. If possible, simply insert a folded tissue or tissue between your teeth.

After the attack ends, the person may fall asleep for a long time. At the same time, the sleep is very deep, so you should not try to wake him up. Call an ambulance so that health workers can record the attack and administer the necessary medications.

Manifestations of epileptic seizures

Epilepsy is characterized by uncontrolled spontaneous seizures, the occurrence and intensity of which cannot be predicted in advance. The disease can be suspected after the first attack occurs. If the attack recurs, you should immediately consult a neurologist, since in the absence of proper treatment, the frequency of epileptic seizures only increases over time.

The aura can be manifested by the following sensations:

• certain sounds (ringing or tinnitus, melody, other sounds);
• some odors;
• visual visions;
• a feeling of deja vu;
• headaches;
• increased anxiety, etc.

In reflex epilepsy, the appearance of seizures is provoked by a certain irritant. An epileptic seizure in such cases can begin as a result of exposure to bright light, a flash of light, light music in a nightclub, or a fast video sequence with a frequently changing picture.

In addition, epilepsy may be characterized by the following symptoms:

• convulsions: during an attack, tonic or clonic convulsions appear in the muscles of the upper and lower extremities;
• disorder of consciousness: some simple epileptic seizures are accompanied by the preservation of consciousness, others by turning it off or the patient falling into a coma. In addition, during an epileptic seizure, an epileptic may see hallucinations and mentally move to another place;
• autonomic disorders: during an attack, patients experience changes in pulse, blood pressure, and vascular tone;
• memory impairment: after the end of an epileptic attack, the patient most often cannot remember what happened to him. As the disease progresses and the frequency of attacks increases, epileptics experience impaired speech and thinking, which leads to dementia.

In the early stages of the disease, as a rule, simple epileptic seizures occur, characterized by a short duration and the absence of loss of consciousness. As the disease progresses, the condition worsens and attacks become more frequent with more noticeable consequences.

Precursors of epileptic seizures

The first harbinger of epileptic seizures is an aura. It is individual for each patient. Thanks to the constant warning signs, patients can warn others about the onset of an attack or independently move to a safe place.

There are the following types of aura that precede the onset of an epileptic attack:

• Hallucinations;
• Sharp contraction of the muscles of the upper or lower extremities;
• Repeating the same movements;
• Burning, crawling or tingling sensation in various parts of the body;
• Sharp deterioration in mood.

The duration of the aura is several seconds. During this time, patients do not lose consciousness.

Types of disease

The following types of epilepsy are observed in patients of different age groups.

1. Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy. Mostly occurs in teenagers. The attacks occur after waking up and are sometimes not accompanied by convulsions.
2. Progressive myoclonic epilepsy. It is difficult to treat and can develop into a more complex and dangerous form of the disease throughout life.
3. Symptomatic epilepsy. Older people suffer. The first signs of the disease may appear up to 30 years of age. The causes are head injuries and diseases of the nervous system. Due to the varied manifestations of the disease, it is difficult to diagnose as the symptoms can be misleading and the patient may be misdiagnosed even after a thorough examination.
4. Temporal lobe epilepsy. Affects the temporal lobes of the brain. A common symptom is a state of “déjà vu.” This form of epilepsy also causes anxiety disorders, uncontrollable outbursts of anger and other emotional states.
5. Frontal epilepsy. Symptoms vary and depend on which parts of the brain are affected. Affects the motor functions of the human body. The manifestations of this disease often do not cause concern. The patient may move his eyes and tongue rapidly, and stagnate. From the outside it may seem that a person is simply experiencing nervous excitement. At the same time, a person cannot organize his thoughts, experiences many emotions at the same time and cannot calm down or concentrate on one thing.
6. Parietal epilepsy. It is quite rare. The symptom is visual disturbances or eye sensitivity to flashes of light. The eyes may move uncontrollably or jerk from side to side, and the eyelids may tremble. Severe headaches often occur during or after an attack.
7. Absence epilepsy. Symptoms of this disease are characterized by short-term fainting or loss of consciousness. With rare exceptions, absence epilepsy is manifested by a loss of concentration; a person cannot focus, breaks off a sentence mid-sentence and cannot build a logical chain to convey his idea. His movements are unclear, his hands can move uncontrollably, inexplicable sensations arise in his fingers, so the patient wants to stretch his hands.
8. Myoclonic epilepsy. Manifests itself with sudden spontaneous movements of the arms and legs. The symptoms of this disease are often ignored and confused with the completely normal hypnogogic myoclonus that everyone experiences when falling asleep.

In addition to the classification of epilepsy, individual forms of epileptic seizures are also distinguished.

What does an EEG look like for epilepsy?

To obtain accurate EEG readings for epilepsy, it is necessary to prepare the patient for the procedure. You need to wash your hair thoroughly to keep your hair clean. Installation fixing agents are not allowed. This will allow you to get closer contact with the scalp. It is not recommended to eat two hours before the procedure, but also not to feel hungry. You should also remove all jewelry before the procedure.

Signs of epilepsy with EEG

EEG in epilepsy helps to identify foci of neuronal activity. EEG indicators determine the form of pathology. They can also be used to track dynamics and determine the dosage of medications. The greatest value of this method is that painful changes can be identified in the intervals between attacks.

The following types of EEG are distinguished:

• routine electroencephalography. Diagnostics, in which the recording and recording of brain biopotentials is carried out to determine epilepsy;
• using additional electrodes;
• during night sleep. EEG indicators are recorded during night sleep;
• long-term EEG in epilepsy. Recording indicators during the day;
• EEG with standard activation procedures. Hyperventilation, photostimulation and the use of other types of stimulation such as reading, watching movies, music;
• video monitoring;
• sleep deprivation procedure.

Quite often, changes in the EEG occur when eye movements, changes in breathing rhythm, vascular pulsation or motor reflexes. Therefore, it is very important to correctly interpret the signs of epilepsy in the EEG.

Diagnosis of the disease at the Yusupov Hospital

No doctor can determine a reliable diagnosis after one single attack, since an epileptic seizure can occur once and in completely healthy people.

The following modern methods are used to carry out diagnostics at the Yusupov Hospital:

• computed and magnetic resonance imaging;
• angiography;
• electroencephalography;
• neuroradiological diagnostics;
• examination by an ophthalmologist of the fundus;
• biochemical blood test.

In some cases, a lumbar puncture is prescribed - a test that allows you to identify an infection that has affected the brain.

MRI of the brain for epilepsy

Magnetic resonance therapy for epilepsy shows the affected areas of the brain and is performed in almost all cases of the disease. This is an excellent way to determine the extent to which the disease has spread to healthy cells and the speed of its development.

It is the deep conviction of international antiepileptic organizations that the process of undergoing MRI or CT scanning is mandatory and should be carried out at the request of a doctor.

Many modern clinics with the latest equipment provide the opportunity to diagnose this disease, so the procedure is mandatory. For a successful examination you need:

1. Referral for research with a competent formulation of a possible diagnosis and the need for diagnostics. The referral must indicate possible suspicions of pathology and any of its manifestations. Based on previous examinations, including EEG, the neurologist can assume the possible location and nature of the pathological process.
2. Modern MRI scanner with optimal power and amplitude. Such devices conduct research even with minimal sections.
3. Radiation therapy specialist with in-depth knowledge of neurology, with a good understanding of the specifics of the nervous system. The doctor must know when to use additional data collection methods that are not provided for in the medical protocol.

Whether an MRI shows epilepsy depends largely on physicians and consultants, as well as MR imaging specialists, who are often unable to meaningfully analyze the collected data to establish a treatment modality and confirm a final diagnosis.

Is it possible to detect epilepsy using MRI?

Epilepsy as a disease has been known for more than 7 thousand years, but instrumental diagnostics began only in 1929. Magnetic resonance imaging in this case is a reliable instrumental method for diagnosing such a pathology, therefore complex procedures are practiced all over the world to determine the spread and development of the disease down to the last small detail. Thanks to this, it is possible to establish the causes of the pathology, of which there are many:

• defects and anomalies of the brain of various types;
• sclerotic changes;
• oncology and benign tumors;
• changes as a result of impacts and trauma experienced;
• infectious lesions;
• vascular pathologies;
• degenerative changes;
• metabolic disorders.

In other words, diagnostics using modern equipment allows us to examine the pathology from the inside and determine the sources and factors that provoked its development. This method undoubtedly influences the level of treatment, since the final conclusions regarding the patient’s diagnosis are based on MRI or CT readings.

Who prescribes MRI for epilepsy?

Any disease requires the attention of a specialist, and epilepsy is no exception. Especially considering the fact that the most important human organ is affected. After a detailed history, the therapist refers the patient to an appointment with a neurologist, who records the client for an EEG if his suspicions suggest the possibility of damage to tissue cells. This conclusion is required by the radiologist in order to:

• clarify the areas where epileptic activity was detected;
• if necessary, introduce a number of additional programs during the procedure;
• compare the indicators obtained from EEG and MRI, and determine structural changes in tissues.

The use of tomography has several goals pursued by a neurologist. To clarify suspicions and collected data, only those whose history has identified and described a seizure are sent for MRI, since the program allows for a detailed study of possible structural disorders of the areas that are most active during attacks. In addition, the procedure is recommended for patients with an already confirmed diagnosis who cannot get rid of attacks with the help of medications.

CT or MRI - which is better?

Quite a lot depends on the choice of equipment, so random visits to such diagnostic centers are unacceptable. For more detailed diagnostics, the MRI unit is equipped with programs that were created to obtain additional information about the condition of the affected tissues. The absolute coverage of such tissues by the information field of the tomograph greatly simplifies the process of determining therapy and the level of risks for individual cases.

A CT scan is performed to obtain a detailed cross-sectional picture of the brain. Specialized equipment ensures the safety of the procedure and efficiency, and also guarantees the quality of the results obtained. This is a painless examination option, the only contraindication for which is pregnancy. Both tomography options have their advantages, but the need to use one or another device is determined by the attending physician.

How is an MRI performed for epilepsy?

The main obstacle for many is the fact that during the tomography the patient must remain motionless for up to 50 minutes, which is extremely difficult for people with increased irritability or constant anxiety.

The specialist performing the procedure is in another room behind glass and communicates with the patient via a microphone. There should be no foreign objects in the inspection area that could disrupt the operation of the unit. The patient should listen carefully to the doctor and follow his instructions, while remaining as still as possible. A long, but non-traumatic process extracts all the necessary information about the state of the cells and the extent of the spread of the disease.

MRI with contrast for epilepsy

It is known that epilepsy is a disease that has several factors that provoke characteristic seizures. This greatly expands the range of searches for affected tissue areas, which is why different research methods are used.

The procedure itself consists of administering a substance intravenously; it quickly spreads through the vessels and veins, ultimately reaching the brain. The contrast itself contains an acceptable amount of iodine and other compounds that, when released into the blood and under the influence of rays, display their own color. This is how the easily recognizable mesh of the venous system appears.

Contraindications

There is no need to take any special measures before the diagnosis itself. The patient can continue medication treatment, adhere to the diet and all the doctor’s requirements. Usually the patient leads a full life, without restrictions and precautions.

Despite all the harmlessness, the procedure still has a number of limitations. This is the presence of any metal implants in the body, implants of the inner and middle ear, as well as pacemakers. In addition, it is not recommended to undergo examination for people whose weight exceeds 130 kg. The first months of pregnancy in women are also contraindications.

MRI for epilepsy in children

Unfortunately, one of the causes of the disease is a congenital pathology of fetal development. Patients of neurologists and epileptologists often include children of all ages. MRI for epilepsy in children is performed in order to exclude the most dangerous causes that require surgical intervention:

• tumor;
• consequences of injury;
• congenital developmental anomalies;
• cortical dysplasia;
• manifestations of genetic diseases.

It is worth remembering that this examination requires standing still (in the case of examining children) for about 20–30 minutes, so this often becomes a problem. Children are afraid of noise, the absence of adults nearby and unfamiliar sensations.

Deciphering MRI for epilepsy

MRI images of the brain are interpreted exclusively by a qualified radiologist. Often this is a specialist who personally performed the diagnosis and works closely with the patient’s attending physician. Correctly interpreting and explaining images requires professional medical training and significant practical experience.

Basic information is transmitted electronically to the attending physician. Specialists conduct a thorough examination of the scanograms, after which they report the results. The images are used to prescribe additional diagnostic measures if the disease causes controversial statements. None of the doctors with a narrow specialization in other areas has the right to interpret the results in any order.

Treatment at the Yusupov Hospital

To alleviate the condition of patients suffering from epilepsy, the specialists at the neurology clinic at the Yusupov Hospital have several methods at their disposal. Properly selected treatment and strict adherence by the epileptic to medical recommendations can achieve stable remission for a long time.

Drug treatment helps to reduce electrical activity in the lobe of the brain where the disease, previously identified through EEG (electroencephalography), is localized. Treatment of patients at the Yusupov Hospital is carried out using the most modern medications that have a pronounced therapeutic effect and have minimal side effects. During drug treatment at the Yusupov Hospital, patients are constantly monitored by doctors who monitor the course of the disease.

In what cases is hospitalization required?

The patient must be taken to the hospital:

• if epilepsy was detected for the first time - to conduct research and select effective treatment;
• with status epilepticus;
• in case of planning surgical intervention (in particular, removal of a brain tumor accompanied by epileptic seizures);
• in order to routinely assess the dynamics of the disease.

Physical therapy exercises, supervised by an experienced physical therapy doctor, can normalize the processes of excitation and inhibition in the brain, which are most often disturbed in epileptics. Special rhythmic movements and breathing exercises have a positive effect on neurons, harmonize the mental state of patients, and prevent stress and other diseases.

Ketogenic diet for epilepsy

The ketogenic diet is a diet that aims to produce increased amounts of ketone bodies in the body, which in turn are a treatment for epilepsy, since when they enter the brain, ketone bodies have an anticonvulsant effect.

The ketogenic diet, when strictly followed, has a positive result in 70% of cases. This type of nutrition is especially effective for children, despite the fact that it is most difficult for a child to adhere to this diet.

Ketogenic diet menu for adults

The main principle of the ketogenic diet is the ratio of proteins and carbohydrates relative to fats - the balance should correspond to a value of 1 to 4, while the amount of protein consumed should be several times higher than the amount of carbohydrates. A healthy person receives energy from carbohydrates - due to their oxidation, ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is released, which in turn is fuel for our body.

During the diet, the regimen can be adjusted based on the patient’s personal indicators or wishes. The basis of such a diet should be an abundance of healthy fats, which are recommended to be obtained from the following foods:

• fatty sea fish;
• beef, lamb, pork;
• salo;
• butter and cream;
• vegetable oils - olive, coconut, flaxseed, sea buckthorn and sesame;
• seeds, nuts;
• avocado.

Dangerous products for epilepsy

For people suffering from epilepsy, it is important to avoid overeating and also limit the consumption of simple sugars. A diet for epilepsy is aimed at reducing the load on the human body and preventing the development of seizures. You should limit your use as much as possible:

• refined sugar, honey;
• flour products (bread, rolls, cookies, pasta);
• various cereals;
• vegetables and fruits containing large amounts of starch (mainly root vegetables);
• alcohol;
• various sauces with a high percentage of carbohydrates.

Refusal of harmful products can not only reduce the likelihood of repeated epileptic attacks, but also improve the general condition of the patient. It should be understood that even rare minimal violations of nutritional rules threaten the poor performance of the entire diet. It is important to turn this diet into a lifestyle.

Ketogenic diet menu for adults

As a rule, the ketogenic diet is not prescribed to all patients, but only to those who do not have a positive reaction to the use of antiepileptic drugs. This diet is most effective in childhood. However, despite the high effectiveness of this diet, it has a number of contraindications:

• cerebrovascular pathologies;
• encephalopathy;
• kidney and liver diseases;
• diseases of the endocrine system (or predisposition to them);
• mitochondrial pathologies;
• diseases of the cardiovascular system.

A sample menu on a ketogenic diet looks like this:

• first meal (breakfast) - scrambled eggs with ham or bacon, salad of non-starchy vegetables, dressed with olive oil;
• second meal (lunch) - stewed or fried pork or beef, steamed vegetables;
• third meal (dinner) - fatty sea fish (salmon, mackerel, herring), fresh vegetables and hard cheese.

The duration of this diet is regulated by the doctor. It takes at least 3-4 weeks to get results. If the diet gives a positive result, it is recommended to stick to this diet for the rest of your life.

Ketogenic diet for children

For children, the ketogenic diet is indicated only after one year in order to avoid developmental delays and serious complications of internal biorhythms. For normal development, children must eat all trace elements and vitamins in sufficient quantities.

The ketogenic diet for children will be approximately the same as for adults. However, children are also prescribed special fatty milk drinks, which “accustom” the child’s body to consuming large amounts of fat. The milk drink can be consumed in the form of a shake or ice cream.

Prevention of epileptic seizures

There are preventive recommendations that, if followed, can prevent epileptic seizures, especially if you already have a history of them:

• you should protect yourself from getting traumatic brain injuries;
• stop smoking, drinking alcohol and drugs;
• try not to stay in stuffy, unventilated rooms for a long time;
• avoid hypothermia;
• give preference to a healthy lifestyle and sports;
• avoid stressful situations;
• do not overwork;
• observe the work and rest schedule.

Epilepsy is a rather severe and difficult-to-treat pathology. Thanks to the prescription of modern anticonvulsants, doctors at the neurology clinic of the Yusupov Hospital are able to significantly improve the quality of life of their patients and prevent the development of new epileptic seizures in them.

An appointment with a neurologist at the Yusupov Hospital can be made by phone or on the clinic’s website. You can also ask questions regarding the conditions of hospitalization in a hospital and the estimated cost of the services provided.