Physical Rehabilitation For Epilepsy

Physical Rehabilitation For Epilepsy

One of the most prevalent chronic neurologic disorders, epilepsy is thought to impact over 70 million individuals globally. Male and female prevalence rates are comparable (46.2 per 100,000 against 50.7 per 100,000).

Recurrent seizures are the hallmark of epilepsy, a neurological illness that affects millions of individuals globally. Physical therapy is increasingly being recognized as a valuable addition to conventional therapies for epilepsy, even if drugs and lifestyle modifications are still frequently given. One of the most prevalent neurological conditions that typically need ongoing care throughout pregnancy is epilepsy.

TYPES OF EPILEPSY

  1. Generalized epilepsy: - This affects both the left and right sides of the brain.
  2. Focal epilepsy: - Focal seizures, in contrast to generalized seizures, impact a single area of the brain. They may begin in one location and proceed to others.
  3. Combined generalized and focal epilepsy: - Both focal and generalized seizures are present in combination epilepsy.
  4. Unknown epilepsy: - It is possible for symptoms of unexplained epilepsy to include non-motor and motor aspects.

Treatment

Generally speaking, epilepsy is treated with a mix of drugs, lifestyle changes, and occasionally surgical procedures. It's crucial to remember that the precise treatment strategy may change based on the kind of seizures, the underlying cause of epilepsy, and personal characteristics.

Antiepileptic Medications:

The purpose of these prescription drugs is to lessen or regulate the frequency and severity of seizures. The type of seizures, the patient's age, general health, and any possible side effects all play a role in the prescription selection.

Modifications to Lifestyle:

Regular Sleep Patterns: Getting enough sleep on a regular basis can help avoid seizures.

Stress management: It may be helpful to employ stress-reduction strategies like mindfulness or relaxation exercises.

Epilepsy Surgery: Surgery to remove the area of the brain causing seizures can be an option in certain situations.

Devices for Neurostimulation: Other neurostimulation tools, such deep brain stimulation, are being studied and may be utilised in addition to VNS and RNS to help regulate seizures.

Frequent Evaluation and Modifications: It is crucial to regularly check drug levels and seizure activity. Depending on the patient's reaction, medical professionals might need to change the amount of medications or look into different treatment options.

How Aspire manages epilepsy?

At Aspire we use physical therapy

Balance and Coordination Training:

Balance and coordination might be affected by epileptic seizures. We provide activities that improve these abilities and lower the chance of accidents and falls.

Strength and Endurance Building:

 Enhancing general strength and stamina can help with better day-to-day functioning. Exercises that improve muscular strength and cardiovascular fitness are the main focus of physical therapy programmers’, which are customized for each patient.

Exercises for Flexibility and Mobility:

Seizures may lead to muscle stiffness and decreased flexibility. we employ stretching and range of motion exercises to maintain or improve mobility.

Posture Adjustment:

Some people with epilepsy may notice changes in their posture. Therapists focus on improving general body mechanics and reducing discomfort by treating postural problems.

Training for Seizure Response:

Physical therapists can instruct patients and their families on how to react appropriately both during and following seizures. This involves giving advice on how to recover from seizures to reduce tiredness after them as well as teaching appropriate body alignment to avoid injuries.

Managing Stress with Relaxation Techniques:

Seizures have been linked to stress in certain people. To help control stress levels and possibly lower the frequency of seizures, physical therapists can teach relaxation techniques including progressive muscle relaxation and deep breathing exercises.

Including Assistive Technology:

Physical therapists may suggest assistive devices like braces, walkers, or canes to people with more severe forms of epilepsy in order to improve safety and mobility.

By Dr Ayush Ranjan (Physiotherapist)