showcase July 2016 64 www.womanthismonth.com Neurology specialist, Dr Piyush Ostwal, aims to reassure patients. BAHRAIN SPECIALIST HOSPITAL LIVING WITH EPILEPSY The epilepsies are a spectrum of disorders caused by excessive firing of the neurons from one or more parts of the brain. Patients may experience strange sensations, emotions and behaviour or sometimes convulsions, muscle spasms and loss of consciousness. The most recognised type of seizure is a generalised tonic-clonic seizure in which the patient falls unconscious with jerky movements, stiffness, rolling of the eyes, frothing from the mouth and biting of the tongue. Attacks usually last a few minutes and the patient returns to normal over a few hours. Some patients have seizures which are more subtle and may involve just one part of the body, called focal seizures. They may just lose touch with their surroundings for a few seconds to minutes. These attacks still need medical attention. Patient evaluation generally includes either a CT or MRI scan of the brain to look for any structural abnormality. Another common test is EEG which records electrical activity of the brain. But it must be remembered that tests may be absolutely normal while a patient still suffers epilepsy. A tremendous amount of research has been done in the last few decades and many new drugs with minimal side effects have been launched. Medications are taken long-term and will be gradually increased to establish the correct dosage and doctors recommend keeping a seizure diary to help with treatment options. So having a diagnosis of epilepsy is not the end of road and there are many treatment options available. Research is ongoing and it is our endeavor to maintain smiles on the faces of children and adults with epilepsy. For more information email the doctor on [email protected] Social Luncheon A ladies’ luncheon was held at Lantern’s, Adliya. Mariam, Anne, Heather & Anne-Marie Rashida & Henni Anisa Karima & Faye Amy HE Hatun Demirer, Anne, Amal & Naima
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