Causes & DiagnosisHow does one recognize the signs of epilepsy?
Acute and chronic states of confusion, dizziness and amnesia ordinarily appear in a large number of seniors, but they are also common symptoms of a seizure disorder. The actual causes of epilepsy in seniors are unknown in almost half of the cases.
There are a number of reasons why a person develops epilepsy. Seizures experienced by seniors may be either an ongoing challenge or the return of a seizure disorder that was in remission.
At any age, epilepsy may be caused by: - Infections in the brain and central nervous system (encephalitis or meningitis)
- multiple drug therapy
- severe brain injury from accidents or other head trauma
- certain genetic conditions
Causes of Epilepsy Related to Aging
- Nervous System – The nervous system changes as people grow older, making seniors more susceptible to abnormal electric discharges in the brain (seizures).
- Stroke – This is the most frequent cause of epilepsy in seniors. Arteries narrow or clog with age, which results in deprivation of blood and oxygen in some parts of the brain. Sometimes bleeding occurs in the brain. This can also result in damage that causes seizures.
- Heart Attacks – Oxygen carried to the brain can be cut off temporarily, resulting in damage which can produce seizures.
- Disease – Alzheimer's and other brain diseases alter the internal structure of the brain and therefore may be likely to induce seizure activity. Other diseases, such as complications of kidney disease, liver disease, alcoholism and diabetes, increase the likelihood of seizures in seniors.
- Brain Tumours – Any kind of tumour may cause seizures. Sometimes, the removal of a tumour stops seizures.
- Surgery – Scars left from an operation may cause seizures later in life.
Preventative measures - Healthy Tips for People 60+
- Maintain a good level of blood pressure to reduce the chance of stroke.
- Eat a diet low in fat, sugar and salt to reduce the chance of heart problems.
- Use canes and walkers when necessary to avoid accidental falls. (See: Preventing Falls)
- Be cautious if drinking alcoholic beverages.
If you smoke, consider quitting. - Use a microwave oven instead of a stove or kettle for cooking and for heating water.
- Lower the temperature of the water heater to prevent scalds.
- Ensure that a television is in good working order. To reduce contrast, always have a light on in the room, situated above and behind you. Watch television at a distance of at least 3 metres, at a 45° angle.
- If you drive, make sure that your eyesight and reflexes are sufficient.
- Discuss the medications you are taking with your doctor regularly.
- Wear a MedicAlert™ or similar bracelet.
- Ask for help. It may be difficult. Counselling is a great idea to help you to identify your needs and risks, and to advocate for yourself.
- Inform your neighbours of your epilepsy, outlining the type(s) of seizures you experience and what they can do to assist you, should the need arise.
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