Category: Women's Health
Question: My mom suffers seizures from time to time She has convulses 24 times in one night within the space of 23months and this has gone on for the past 8 years She had brain tests about 7 and 5 years ago respectively which revealed nothing other than typhoid and malaria parasites which were treated then This condition however persists She suffered one last night Please I need advice on the next line of action
Answer: Hi there and thanks for your query

Seizures can be caused by many things ranging from infections issues in your cardiovascular system and even your metabolism to name a few To be able to know the cause your doctor will be interested in some information like your mums age onset of the seizures 8 years in her case duration of seizures how long does an episode last what kind of seizures one part of her body or the whole body shaking does anything happen before during or after the seizure any family history of seizures is she on any medication does she consume alcohol does it interfere with her life which does in most cases are there any other symptoms These are just a few of the many details needed to narrow down to a possible cause

If she has never had it up till only 8 years ago studies suggest that adults who develop seizures for the first time in adulthood may have a stroke and in some cases the cause is unknown 

She may benefit from long term anticonvulsants But these are not to be selfprescribed or selfadministered I will recommend seeking the consult of a neurologist a doctor specialized in the human nervous system You may be asked to repeat the brain scans since it has been over 5 years now and there is a possibility for any issues which were hidden before in the brain to be seen now This could be because it may have become more visible to the imaging device or maybe there has been an upgrade of the machine or possibly better expertise in viewing the scan

In the interim continue the good job of paying attention to her while together and continue giving her support Please remember not to put anything in her mouth while she is seizing and limiteliminate alcohol intake if any Taking a video while she has an episode to show your doctor may also be of benefit in making a diagnosis

I hope your mother gets the help she deserves and all the best to you two