What is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy, commonly known as "seizures", is a prevalent neurological disorder caused by abnormal electrical discharges in brain cells, leading to temporary brain dysfunction. It is primarily divided into two types, namely focal epilepsy and generalised epilepsy. The prevalence of epilepsy ranges from 0.5% to 1%, with infants and the elderly being the high-risk groups. Symptoms include recurrent seizures, abnormal behaviour, or loss of consciousness, with causes potentially involving genetics, brain hypoxia, infections, or trauma. Factors such as sleep deprivation, emotional stress, or physical discomfort may also trigger the condition.
Identifying Epilepsy Through Elusive Symptoms
Generalised epilepsy is more common in children, with patients experiencing limb convulsions, stiffness, eye-rolling, cyanosis, or incontinence during seizures, and usually lasting less than five minutes. Absence epilepsy is often overlooked, as patients may only exhibit brief moments of unresponsiveness, appearing inattentive or zoning-out, which can be mistaken as misbehaviour or lack of focus. Dr Yuen Chi-lap, Consultant in Paediatrics at Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong, emphasises that distinguishing epilepsy from tic disorders (the latter can be briefly controlled and do not occur during sleep) is crucial Parents should seek medical attention promptly if they notice any unusual behaviour in their children.
Managing the Condition to Restore Health
Approximately three-quarters of patients can effectively control their condition with medication. Common treatment options include medication, surgical intervention, and ketogenic diets, tailored to individual needs. The ketogenic diet (90% fat, 10% carbohydrates and protein daily) produces ketones through fat metabolism, regulating brain neurotransmission to reduce abnormal brain waves and lower seizure risks. Dr Yuen stresses the importance of early diagnosis and personalised treatment, while calling for societal support to help patients return to a normal life. 🔎Click here to read the article (in Chinese only) where Dr Yuen Chi-lap explains epilepsy, diving into its causes and treatment options.
甚麼是腦癇症？
腦癇症（俗稱「發羊吊」）是一種常見的腦科疾病，源於腦神經細胞異常放電，導致大腦神經功能短暫紊亂。其主要分為「局部性腦癇症」和「全身性腦癇症」兩大類。每個人在一生中患腦癇症的機率介乎0.5%至1%，嬰幼兒及長者為高危群組。症狀包括反覆抽筋、行為異常或失去知覺。成因可能涉及遺傳、腦部缺氧、感染或創傷，而睡眠不足、情緒波動、身體不適等因素，也有機會誘發疾病。
從症狀分辨腦癇症
「全身性腦癇症」在兒童中較常見，患者發作時可能出現四肢抽搐、僵直、眼球上翻、嘴唇發紫或失禁，持續時間通常少於5分鐘。「失神性腦癇」則容易被忽略，患者可能只出現數秒的失神，看似不在焉或「遊魂」，容易被誤以為是頑皮或注意力不足。港怡醫院兒科顧問醫生袁志立表示，區分腦癇症與抽動症（後者可短暫控制且不於睡眠時發作）至關重要，如家長發現兒童任何異常行為，應及早求醫。
控制病情重拾健康
約四分之三的腦癇症患者可透過藥物有效控制病情。常見的治療方案包括藥物治療、手術治療及生酮飲食，具體方案因人而異。生酮飲食（每日90% 脂肪、10% 碳水化合物和蛋白質）透過燃燒脂肪產生「酮體」，調節腦神經傳遞，減少異常腦電波，有助降低復發風險。袁醫生強調，早期診斷與個人化治療的重要性，並呼籲社會支持患者，幫助他們重拾正常生活。 🔎請按此閱讀文章，由袁志立醫生講解腦癇症，深入了解腦癇症的成因及治療方案。 | 
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