Secondary epilepsy

Introduction Secondary epilepsy refers to epilepsy secondary to other diseases (such as a variety of brain diseases or metabolic abnormalities), that is, epilepsy caused by other diseases, also known as "symptomatic epilepsy." Like "primary epilepsy", "secondary epilepsy" also has its own characteristics. Most of the onset of young adults, most of the types of seizures are localized seizures and psychomotor epilepsy. Before the etiology is removed, anti-epileptic drugs are difficult to control. Usually take the root of the disease as a priority, it is necessary to strengthen the spleen and phlegm, replenish the liver and kidney, and nourish the heart and soothe the nerves as an auxiliary treatment.

Cause

There are many diseases that cause such epilepsy, mainly divided into the following two categories:

First, the brain disease:

A variety of encephalopathy, such as: cerebrovascular disease, craniocerebral injury, encephalitis, meningitis, hydrocephalus, brain abscess, inflammatory granuloma, intracranial tumor, brain parasite, craniocerebral trauma, demyelinating disease Epilepsy can be caused by abnormal brain development, sequelae of brain atrophy, brain scars, and brain degenerative diseases.

Second, extracranial diseases:

Such as: hypoglycemia, hypocalcemia, asphyxia, shock, eclampsia, uremia, diabetes, cardiogenic convulsions and metal, drug poisoning. Many central nervous system or systemic diseases can cause epilepsy. Common causes of secondary epilepsy are birth injury, intracranial infection, abnormal brain circulation, such as encephalitis sequelae, pediatric febrile seizures, etc., can cause epilepsy.

an examination

Related inspection

Brain CT examination EEG examination

First, generalized tonic - clonic seizures (big episodes):

Suddenly, consciousness is lost, followed by a strong temperament. Often accompanied by screaming, complexion bruising, urinary incontinence, tongue bite, foaming or foaming at the mouth, dilated pupils. After a tens of seconds or minutes, the seizure naturally stops and enters a state of drowsiness. After waking up, there is a short period of dizziness, irritability, and fatigue, which cannot be recalled during the attack. If the episode continues, those who have been in a coma state say that the episode is in a state of constant attack and often endangers life.

Second, absence of seizures (small episodes):

Sudden mental activity is interrupted, loss of consciousness, may be associated with myoclonus or autonomic syndrome. A seizure of a few seconds to more than ten seconds. EEG appears 3 times / sec slow or sharp slow wave synthesis.

Third, a simple partial seizure:

A local or one-sided limb with a stiff, clonic attack, or a paroxysmal episode, which is short-lived and clear-minded. If the range of attack extends to other limbs or the whole body along the movement, it can be associated with loss of consciousness. It is called Jack. After the attack, the affected limb may have temporary paralysis, called Todd paralysis.

Differential diagnosis

Differential diagnosis of secondary epilepsy:

Primary epilepsy: refers to the patient's existing medical examination conditions and medical diagnostic level, in the brain and the body can not find structural changes and metabolic abnormalities that can explain the brain disease, which is called the primary epilepsy. In layman's terms, epilepsy is the cause of the disease. With the continuous advancement and development of medical technology, some patients who have not been able to find the cause in the past can now find the cause, and will find it in the future that cannot be found, so the primary epilepsy will be less and less.

The material in this site is intended to be of general informational use and is not intended to constitute medical advice, probable diagnosis, or recommended treatments.