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Seizure clusters – Causes, symptoms, and diagnosis

Seizure clusters is a term used to describe multiple seizure attacks that occur within 24 hours or a shorter period. Such repetitive seizure attacks may also be referred to as cyclical seizures, recurrent seizures, and crescendo seizures. If a person is prone to seizures, they should try to understand their repetitive behavior, the estimated recovery period, and possible triggers. This information can come in handy in landing the correct diagnosis and treatment.

Causes
Health experts do not know the exact cause of seizure clusters. However, they believe that a failure to gain control over a seizure attack can cause its reoccurrence. Certain other risk factors for the condition include frontal lobe epilepsy, rare seizures, cortical dysplasia, refractory epilepsy, and CNS infections. People with focal onset seizures are also said to have an increased risk of seizure clusters than patients with generalized onset seizures. In focal onset seizures, the electrical disturbance in the brain is restricted to a specific region. Further, those with a head injury or head trauma are at a higher risk.

Triggers
Like with the causes, there is no clear picture of what could trigger episodes of seizure clusters. A few possible trigger factors discovered by patients and doctors include skipping seizure aid, stress, sleep deprivation, menstruation, illness, and fever. Interestingly, statistics suggest that around 30% of people do not know what triggers their repetitive seizure attacks. Patients may discuss their condition with a doctor and develop a plan to identify and avoid their triggers.

Symptoms
If seizure clusters occur as a result of focal onset seizure, one may experience tightness or uncontrolled spasming of muscles on one side of the body, weakness of muscles or paralysis after a seizure attack, and involuntary muscle movement. The symptoms might differ if a seizure cluster occurs due to a generalized seizure. The signs in this scenario usually include repetitive falls, loss of consciousness, and uncontrolled contraction of muscles on a massive scale.

Diagnosis
Doctors may use one or a combination of the following tests and methods to diagnose seizure clusters:

Physical exam
At the initial stage, the doctor collects all the data that could seem relevant to the diagnosis. This would include the patient’s sleep schedule, frequency of seizure attacks, health history, patient symptoms, and other questions about discomfort and health. Patients might even be asked to keep a record of their attacks and things that could be acting as a trigger.

Blood tests
It is believed that genetics play a part in the occurrence of seizure clusters; therefore, blood tests might be recommended to detect possible genetic traits causing the condition.

Neurological exam
Since seizures alter brain activity, testing brain function is essential to the seizure cluster diagnosis. A neurological exam tests the patient for cognition, memory, reflex actions, coordination, hearing, and vision functions.

EEG
Electroencephalography is one of the most relied-upon modes for diagnosing suspected seizures and epilepsy. It is a non-invasive mode of assessment that electrically records the brain’s activity. An EEG is performed by placing electrode sensors on the scalp that transfer brain images onto a screen. Patients might have to visit a hospital or a doctor’s clinic for this diagnostic test. Alternatively, mobile EEG machines might be used to monitor patients for extended periods of up to 72 hours.

MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging is a diagnostic test that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to obtain a detailed picture of the brain. It can help identify pathological reasons for seizure clusters.

CT scan
CT scans are preferred during emergencies as they provide brain images faster and are more conveniently performed. However, the picture quality is not as superior as an MRI. CT scans are especially useful for people with implants and devices inside their bodies.

PET
Positron emission tomography is a diagnostic test that helps track the flow or motion of blood. A radioactive compound administered into the patient’s blood allows doctors to detect blood flow to the brain. A PET test may help doctors identify the location of focal seizures in some patients.

If not treated in time, cluster seizures can lead to complications. Status epilepticus, for example, is an extended state of seizure that may last for 30 minutes or more. This could be a convulsive or non-convulsive episode and could manifest in combination with irritability, confusion, and loss of consciousness.

Understanding arthritis – A common joint condition

The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1: At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2: The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected jointsâ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3: At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4: This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression: Stage 1: Wear and tear may affect the knee joints, and minor spur growths on the affected bone can also be seen, but the condition does not cause too much pain at this stage. Stage 2: The bone spur growths increase and cause pain, and the knee joints become stiffer. Stage 3: This stage is characterized by joint inflammation leading to increased pain and stiffness. Walking can also cause poppingÂ sounds in the joints. Stage 4: The space between the bones in the joints becomes very narrow, causing the cartilage to wear down. Also, a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of cartilage aggravates discomfort and pain. Diagnosis of arthritis These joint conditions can be diagnosed using several tests. A physical examination reveals whether a patient has red, warm, and tender joints, and this test also helps examine the fluid around the joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the level of inflammation in the joints to determine the type of arthritis an individual is affected with. Also, blood tests are undertaken to check for antibodies like anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. In addition, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI are also performed to check the condition of the cartilage and bones. Prevention of arthritis A family history of joint conditions like arthritis or aging can increase oneâs risk of developing arthritis, but making certain lifestyle changes can also help lower the chances of developing the condition. To start with, one should include more foods with omega-3 fatty acids in their diet as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory. One should also exercise regularly, keep their weight under check, reduce stress on their joints, and try to avoid injuries. Also, if one notices any symptoms of arthritis, they should consult a doctor immediately as early diagnosis goes a long way in managing the condition effectively through timely treatment.

8 early signs of Parkinson’s disease that shouldn’t be ignored

Parkinson's is a disorder that slowly encroaches upon an individual's neurological health, making it difficult for them to perform daily tasks. Old age is usually the leading cause of the disease. Before the obvious motor symptoms emerge, however, some discreet signs can serve as early indicators. Detecting these can provide valuable insight into the presence of Parkinson's disease, offering a window of opportunity for intervention and better management of symptoms. Here are some of the early signs that one should pay attention to: Tremors In Parkinson's disease, tremors are a hallmark motor symptom that usually begins in the hands, fingers, or limbs. These tremors often appear as rhythmic shaking or trembling and may be more pronounced at rest. They can gradually worsen, affecting daily activities such as writing, eating, or holding objects. While not everyone with Parkinson's experiences tremors, they are a recognizable and significant early sign of the disease. Loss of manual dexterity and motor skills Dexterity refers to the skill and ability to use one's hands or body with precision and coordination. Fine motor skills can be affected early in Parkinson's disease. Individuals may notice a slight decline in their ability to perform intricate tasks, such as writing or buttoning clothes. They may experience stiffness, slowness, or difficulty initiating movements. Changes in posture and balance Parkinson's disease can cause changes in posture and balance, even in its early stages. Individuals can develop a stooped or hunched posture and experience difficulty maintaining balance while walking. Loss of smell Individuals may struggle to distinguish between odors or notice a diminished sense of smell. This subtle change in olfactory perception can occur years before other noticeable symptoms emerge. That said, the sense of smell may be temporarily altered or affected due to infections or stuffy noses. Still, if the symptoms don't improve, one should consult their primary healthcare professional. Changes in speech or voice If one experiences any changes in voice quality, it may be the onset of Parkinsonâs. Here, oneâs voice may get softer or lower than usual, hoarse, or breathy. Others may experience a monotone speech pattern or difficulties with articulation and pronunciation. Changes in handwriting Micrographia refers to a gradual reduction in handwriting size and legibility. Individuals with Parkinson's disease may notice that their handwriting becomes progressively smaller and more cramped over time. This change occurs due to motor control difficulties and impaired fine motor skills associated with the condition. Changes in facial expressions Parkinson's disease can affect facial expressions, leading to a lack of natural and spontaneous movements of the facial muscles. This condition, called facial masking, can make individuals appear expressionless or emotionless. Reduced blinking, less frequent smiling, and a fixed or mask-like facial expression are characteristic features. Facial masking can have a significant impact on non-verbal communication and social interactions. Trouble falling asleep Disrupted sleep patterns and difficulty falling asleep are common early signs in individuals at risk of developing Parkinson's disease. One should note, however, that this symptom may be the result of numerous other factors. Still, if this problem persists without any lifestyle changes, it is worth discussing with a healthcare professional.