Epilepsy
Causes and Symptoms of Epilepsy
Besides the particular pattern of epileptic seizure, other features that are characteristic of this epileptic condition include an abnormal electroencephalographic pattern called as hypsarrhythmia along with the risk of developmental delay or mental retardation. Infantile spasms are most commonly seen in infants with structural brain abnormalities. It is believed that malfunctioning of neurotransmitters or excessive production of corticotropin-releasing hormone may be contributing factors. Trauma or oxygen deprivation during child birth, brain injury, birth asphyxia, bacterial meningitis, congenital infections or vascular malformations are believed to be the common causes of infantile spasms. A child suffering from a genetic disorder called tuberous sclerosis may also be susceptible to West’s syndrome. Tuberous sclerosis is characterized by the formation of tumors in many parts of the body. One may be genetically predisposed to this condition. Metabolic disorders or chromosomal defects could also make a child vulnerable to this condition. Many a times, a child may be diagnosed with a neurological disorder, but the direct cause of spasms may still not be known. Such a case of infantile spasms is referred to as a cryptogenic case.
Now that you have some idea about the causes, let’s move on to symptoms of infantile spasms. As mentioned earlier, the pattern of the spasm is characterized by a sudden jerky movement that causes the infant’s body to bend forward. This is followed by stiffening of the neck, torso, arms and legs. At times, there may be subtle movements. The child’s arms are usually flung out, while the body bends and knees are pulled up. Such a pattern is also referred to as jack-knife seizures. The spasms may involve the contraction of flexor muscles or extensor muscles. Sometimes, both of these muscles may be involved in the spasms. The child may cry during the attack or after the spasm cluster is over. Lack of responsiveness, decreased mental alertness or loss of muscle control may also occur. A child could experience more than fifty spasm clusters in a day. A single spasm or a cluster that doesn’t consist of many spasms, may not be conspicuous. Symptoms of infantile spasms would, however, be noticeable, when a child experiences a spasm cluster wherein spasms occur at an interval of 5-15 seconds, for several minutes.
Home remedies for Epilepsy
Make powder with the bark of hibiscus flower.
The first thing to consider is the proper maintenance of diet. The natural epilepsy treatment involves that the patient should remain in a relaxed environment and he or she should do minimum or less intensity exercise on a regular basis. A fruit diet is good for patients if taken once in a week.
Take 2grams of this powder with 2 grams of honey twice daily. It controls the symptoms of epilepsy.
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