International Epilepsy Day:
Why Does Fainting Occur? What Precautions Should Be Taken?
International Epilepsy Day is an important day to remember that epilepsy is a condition that affects many people. It is characterized by uncontrolled tonic clonic seizures or short seizures which can cause the person to lose consciousness. Benign epilepsy of childhood, also known as benign rolandic epilepsy, is a type of seizure disorder that usually occurs in children between the ages of 1 and 14. It can cause the patient to fall and lose consciousness but rarely causes severe cases and can be managed with medication.
International Epilepsy Day is an opportunity to raise awareness about the condition and its causes. Fainting is a common symptom of absence seizures, which are more common in children between the ages of 4 and 14. Juvenile absence epilepsy (JAE) is one type of absence seizure that can start with fainting.
Dr Kamlesh chawda, Senior Neurologist, Kamineni Hospitals, Hyderabad explains,
Why Does Fainting Occur? What Precautions Should Be Taken?
Fainting is a temporary loss of consciousness, which can be caused by seizures, low blood sugar, migraines, and other brain-related issues. It is important to look for sudden movements or changes in things like electrical levels if you suspect a seizure. It is also important to look for signs of low blood sugar or changes in things like blood flow if you suspect fainting. Tourette’s Syndrome can also cause fainting due to sudden movements or changes in things like electrical levels. Lastly, it is important to take precautions to prevent fainting such as eating regularly and monitoring your blood sugar levels if you have diabetes.
It is also important to get enough sleep and avoid stress. Additionally, it is important to be aware of seizure symptoms such as transient ischemic attack, hallucinations and confusion and seek medical attention if any of these occur. Fainting can be caused by several different things ranging from cardiac causes such as cardiomyopathy or primary pulmonary hypertension to neurologic causes such as Eisenmengers Syndrome or aortic valvar stenosis. In many cases, fainting can result from a sudden loss of blood flow due to a blockage or lack of blood flow.
It can also be a result of a seizure disorder, such as epilepsy. When a person has an epileptic seizure, the electrical signals in the brain become disrupted and can lead to fainting. In some cases, it may happen due to dehydration or sudden postural changes. It is important to rule out any underlying health problems that may be causing fainting, such as problems with the heart or vascular system, brain tumors, or other brain problems. Anxiety can also be a contributing factor to fainting. In children, it is important for parents and caregivers to diagnose any possible brain injury that could be causing the fainting spells. Fear and sight-related problems can also cause fainting in people of all ages. Dehydration is one of the most common causes of fainting and should always be taken into consideration when trying to determine why someone might faint.
It is important to make sure that individuals with epilepsy drink plenty of fluids and stay hydrated. Additionally, if an individual’s seizures are not controlled or managed properly, they may be more prone to fainting. Therefore, control of your own or your child’s seizures is essential. Treatment for epilepsy can involve medications, surgery or other types of treatment and it is important to discuss any side effects with your healthcare provider. Memory and vision problems may occur as well as affect speech and movement. It is important to seek medical advice if any of these problems occur when taking medication for epilepsy.