Understanding Epilepsy - A Neurological Disorder!

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. A seizure occurs when there is an abnormal, excessive electrical activity in the brain. These seizures can manifest in various ways, from mild to severe.

Types of Seizures

Seizures can be broadly classified into two main categories:

1. Focal Seizures: These seizures originate in a specific area of the brain.

   • Simple Partial Seizures: Affect a small area of the brain, often causing sensory or motor symptoms like tingling sensations or muscle twitching.
   • Complex Partial Seizures: Affect a larger area of the brain, leading to altered consciousness, confusion, and repetitive behaviors.

2. Generalized Seizures: These seizures involve both hemispheres of the brain.

   • Tonic-Clonic Seizures: Characterized by a loss of consciousness, stiffening of the body, and rhythmic jerking movements.
   • Absence Seizures: Brief periods of staring into space, often mistaken for daydreaming.
   • Atonic Seizures: Sudden loss of muscle tone, leading to falls.
   • Myoclonic Seizures: Brief, shock-like muscle contractions.

Causes of Epilepsy

The exact cause of epilepsy varies from person to person. Some common causes include:

• Brain injuries: Traumatic brain injuries, stroke, or brain tumors.
• Genetic factors: Inherited conditions that affect brain development.
• Infections: Meningitis, encephalitis, or other brain infections.
• Developmental disorders: Conditions like cerebral palsy or autism.
• Unknown causes: In many cases, the cause of epilepsy remains unknown.

Treatment of Epilepsy

The goal of epilepsy treatment is to control seizures and improve quality of life. Treatment options may include:

• Anti-seizure medications: These medications help regulate brain activity and prevent seizures.
• Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be an option to remove the part of the brain causing seizures.
• Vagus nerve stimulation: A medical device implanted in the chest to stimulate the vagus nerve and reduce seizure frequency.
• Ketogenic diet: A high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that can help control seizures in some people.

Living with Epilepsy

People with epilepsy can lead fulfilling lives with proper management. It's important to:

• Adhere to medication: Take medications as prescribed and avoid missing doses.
• Regular check-ups: Schedule regular appointments with a neurologist to monitor seizure activity and adjust treatment as needed.
• Identify triggers: Be aware of factors that may trigger seizures, such as stress, lack of sleep, or certain foods.
• Emergency preparedness: Have a seizure action plan and wear a medical alert bracelet.
• Support groups: Connect with other people with epilepsy to share experiences and support.

If you or someone you know has epilepsy, it's important to seek medical advice and follow a treatment plan to manage the condition effectively.

Fatima Sana Shaikh divulges being diagnosed with epilepsy during film Dangal shoot!

Fatima Sana Shaikh rose to fame in the biographical sports drama film Dangal, starring Aamir Khan, as Geeta Phogat. The audience already knows how much effort the entire cast put into portraying the characters in the movie. But during filming, did you know that the young girl had been diagnosed with epilepsy?

In a media discussion, Fatima Sana Shaikh was open about her diagnosis of epilepsy. She said she found out about it while filming Dangal. At first, she was in denial and would not accept that she had a neurological disease. As a result, she did not take any medication. “I was scared I might have an episode in front of people,” "There are many stigmas associated with epilepsy," she told.

The Dhak Dhak actress further revealed, “I would get seizures once or twice a week, and the anxiety before events was overwhelming.” Speaking more about the condition, she said flashing lights are known to trigger epilepsy, even if they don't always cause seizures. She eventually stopped attending screenings and events because of her dread. But in the end, she decided to inform the paparazzi about my predicament, and they were kind and respectful of her decision. The shutterbugs would take care not to use flashlights while she was close. “Sometimes, my colleagues wouldn’t understand, but the paparazzi did,” she revealed expressing her gratitude to the media.

In an interview with the magazine, Fatima stated that she just cannot shoot on some days. Sometimes her attacks require shootings to be canceled, and on other days her headaches are so awful that she is unable to work. She did admit, though, that her erratic medication use could lead to additional seizures. “I didn’t want to take medicines; I was fighting not just with people, but also with the medication itself. I thought I didn’t need them to live a normal life,” the actress disclosed.

Professionally, Metro In Dino will include Ul Jalool Ishq and Fatima Sana Shaikh next.

Fatima Sana Shaikh reveals about her epilepsy diagnosis!

Recently, Bollywood actress Fatima Sana Shaikh disclosed that she has been suffering from epilepsy. November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month, and in a bid to raise awareness about it, the Dangal actress advised her followers on Instagram to share their struggle, challenges and stories of epilepsy.

In a latest chat, the Thugs of Hindostan actress talked about her battle with epilepsy. She remembered the time she had an epileptic seizure on a plane, and how lucky she was to have survived it.  She also disclosed why she hadn’t talked much about it until now.

While talking to a daily, Fatima Sana Shaikh disclosed that she was rushed to the medical facility of the airport after getting seizures on a flight. She was hospitalized for two days, and had no familiar face around her. Fatima said that it put her life on hold, and that she thought she was really lucky that she survived. “It kept my work and life on hold. For me this was a big jhatka, I really thought I’m lucky that I survived. I’ve had big episodes in the past, but this was the most difficult as I was all alone. Now I cannot travel alone, I need someone with me,” she told.

She further revealed that it was after that episode, that she talked about her epilepsy for the first time on social media. She disclosed that while she hasn’t hidden her neurological condition, she just never got a chance to talk about it. Fatima said there’s a lot of stigma attached to epilepsy. “You think log sochenge that you have an ailment. I didn’t want people to think I’m weak. I was scared that if I tell people that I have this then I will not get work. I, also, didn’t want to accept that I have a neurological condition,” she told.

On the film front, Fatima Sana Shaikh will next be seen playing the role of Indira Gandhi in Meghna Gulzar’s Sam Bahadur.