Epilepsy, characterised by spontaneous epileptic seizures, exhibits a diversity of symptoms linked to the brain areas activated by neuronal discharges. That is, the symptoms of epilepsy are varied and their nature and severity depend on the brain areas affected. These symptoms, which vary in duration and presentation, are crucial for the diagnosis of epilepsy. Among them are:

Motor Symptoms

Shaking an arm or leg when the primary motor area is activated.

Sensitive Symptoms

Tingling that can travel up an arm or leg when the primary sensory area is activated.

Visual Symptoms

Lights in a part of the visual field, alteration in the shape of objects, etc., indicate the involvement of the primary visual and association brain areas.

Psychic Symptoms

Fear, anxiety, feelings of déjà vu, among others, arise when brain circuits linked to emotions and memory are affected, such as the limbic circuit.

Generalised Tonic-Clonic Seizures

Loss of consciousness, guttural screams, falling to the floor, followed by rhythmic shaking of the arms and legs. The typical duration is 2-3 minutes, with possible complications such as tongue biting and urinary incontinence.

As it is a complex condition, the causes of epilepsy are diverse, some identifiable and others still unknown:

Genetics

Some types of epilepsy, associated with genetic changes, can be hereditary. However, genetic epilepsy can also arise without a family history.

Head trauma

Brain injuries secondary to severe trauma can trigger epilepsy.

Injuries to the brain structure

Brain tumours, arteriovenous malformations, cavernous angiomas, cerebrovascular accidents, developmental malformations of the cerebral cortex... are potential causes of epilepsy, which affect brain functions and trigger seizures.

Infections

Diseases such as meningitis and encephalitis (viral or bacterial) and some parasitic infections can cause epilepsy, underscoring the relationship between brain health and immunity.

Injuries before Birth

Factors affecting the foetus, such as maternal infections or oxygen deficiency, can result in brain damage, increasing the risk of epilepsy.

Metabolic

Epilepsy can manifest as a central feature of metabolic disorders such as porphyrias.

Immune

Autoimmune disorders that affect the central nervous system can trigger epileptic seizures, pointing out the interconnection between the immune system and brain health.

Unknown causes

Despite advances in diagnosis, in many cases specific causes of epilepsy cannot still be defined, which highlights the complexity of this condition. In our private clinic, with expert professionals, we approach each case in a personalised way, recognising the diversity of factors that contribute to epilepsy and working towards a better understanding and management of this condition. Connect with us to explore treatment and support options tailored to your individual needs.

Accurate diagnosis of epilepsy requires a combination of detailed clinical evaluation and specific tests to analyse brain activity in real time. In our comprehensive approach, we consider both the information provided by patients and their witnesses of epileptic seizures.

Diagnostic Tests

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

Essential to analyse brain electrical activity in real time. It can be performed in different modalities, such as routine EEG, with sleep deprivation, or overnight.

Brain Magnetic Resonance (MRI) with specific protocol for epilepsy

A radiation-free radiological tool that identifies possible brain lesions related to epilepsy.

Ictal Single Photon Emission Tomography (SPECT)

It involves the injection of an isotope during a crisis, allowing images to be obtained of the area of onset and spread of the crises. Performed during the EEG video during admission.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

It uses a small amount of radioactive material to identify areas of low glucose consumption, related to the areas where seizures begin.

Monitoring with Continuous Video-EEG

Advanced system that synchronises the patient's image with the recording of electroencephalographic activity, facilitating the differentiation between epileptic seizures and non-epileptic episodes and the detailed analysis of epileptic seizures. Indicated for diagnosis, classification of seizures and pre-surgical study in cases susceptible to surgery.

Neuropsychological Study

It evaluates cognitive functions, such as memory and language, revealing possible impairments associated with certain types of epilepsy and making it possible to predict postoperative effects.

When diagnosed with epilepsy, we offer you personalised solutions. From antiepileptic drugs carefully selected depending on your type of epilepsy and your personal circumstances to advanced surgical interventions and immunological therapies. In addition, we promote a healthy lifestyle to contribute to the control of crises. Our mission is to provide you with comprehensive and effective support against epilepsy.Ante el diagnóstico de epilepsia, te ofrecemos soluciones personalizadas. Desde fármacos antiepilépticos cuidadosamente seleccionados dependiendo de tu tipo de epilepsia y tus circunstancias personales hasta avanzadas intervenciones quirúrgicas y terapias inmunológicas. Además, promovemos un estilo de vida saludable para contribuir al control de las crisis. Nuestra misión es brindarte un apoyo integral y efectivo frente a la epilepsia.

LIFESTYLE AND SELF-CARE

Healthy Habits: Including a regular sleep routine, avoiding alcohol and drug use, reducing stress, maintaining a balanced diet and engaging in adequate physical exercise.

PHARMACOTHERAPY

- Accurate Diagnosis and Treatment Selection: Identifying the type of epileptic seizure (focal or generalised) is crucial to prescribing appropriate antiepileptic drugs. Long-term remission can be achieved in 60-70% of patients treated with drugs, although some require combination treatments.

- Gradual Medication Adjustment: The doctor can start with low doses and gradually increase them until the attacks are controlled. After 2-5 years without seizures, controlled withdrawal of medication can be attempted if considered safe.

SURGICAL TREATMENT

Considered in cases of drug-resistant epilepsy. A complex presurgical evaluation is performed that includes video electroencephalogram monitoring, brain magnetic resonance imaging, neuropsychological evaluation, and functional neuroimaging tests. Neurosurgery can be curative or palliative, and new surgical and functional neurosurgery approaches, such as deep brain electrostimulation or brain MRI-guided laser surgery, offer advanced alternatives.

LASER ABLATION FOR EPILEPSY

IMMUNOTHERAPY AND NEW APPROACHES

Treatments with immunomodulatory or immunosuppressive drugs are being explored together with antiepileptics in cases of epilepsy associated with autoimmune causes.