Symptomatic Generalized Epilepsy


Description

A variety of difficult epilepsy conditions are included in symptomatic generalized epilepsy (SGE). Symptomatic Generalized Epilepsy as a whole has three key characteristics : (1) a variety of seizure forms, particularly generalized tonic and atonic seizures; (2) brain dysfunction other than seizures, including cerebral palsy and developmental delay in the intellectual and motor domains; and (3) widespread brain abnormality as shown by electroencephalography.

Symptoms

Sizures associated with symptomatic generalized epilepsy include the following :

Brief muscle jerks, either singularly or in groups, affecting any set of muscles, typically in the trunk and limbs, are referred to as myoclonic seizures.
A repetitive, rhythmic jerking of the limbs, neck, or face is referred to as clonic seizures.
Symmetric or asymmetric stiffening or posture is known as tonic seizures.
Sudden, truncal decrease of muscle tone that causes a head drop or a fall standing for atonic seizures.
Atypical absence : An absence seizure that lasts longer and has a less distinct beginning and end.
Generalized tonic-clonic seizures.
If you have any of these symptoms visit a Neurologist to be diagnosed and treated properly.


Causes

Symptomatic generalized epilepsy is known to be an epilepsy that occurred secondarily to an underlying etiology, either known symptomatic or presumed cryptogenic cause. The insult causing symptomatic generalized epilepsy could be inherited (prenatal) or acquired (perinatal, postnatal). Such causes include :

Metabolic disorders
Chromosomal abnormalities
White matter disease
Obvious structural lesions

Diagnostics

The tests listed below can help in Symptomatic Generalized Epilepsy diagnosis and evaluation :

Electroencephalography (EEG) to aid in separating seizure disorders from other diseases.
Brain scans such as MRI to check the brain for any scarred areas.
Blood tests including :
Electrolyte evaluation
CBC count
Metabolic testing
Genetic testing


Treatment

Anti-seizures medication :
Surgery
Vagus nerve stimulation
Ketogenic diet

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