The causes of MS seizures are not currently completely understood, but there are several possibilities that could explain why people with the chronic neurological disease could experience seizures. Multiple sclerosis seizures could be caused by the lesions that grow on the brain during multiple sclerosis. These lesions can interrupt signals that are being transmitted throughout the brain, causing intermittent seizures from time to time, similar to those caused by brain tumors. Another possibility has to do with the nervous system. During multiple sclerosis, the nervous system is damaged through a process called demyelination. This process damages the myelin sheath surrounding the nerves, causing the nervous system to send signal erratically. This can also be a potential cause of seizures.
Seizures do not affect everyone with multiple sclerosis. In fact, only about two to five percent of people with the disease will experience them. The seizures tend to be mild and they can usually be controlled with treatment. Seizures typically occur during or right before flare ups or relapses of multiple sclerosis, or they can appear during on the onset on the disease, before a diagnosis is made. It is not a symptom that is usually continual throughout the progression of the disease.
Treatment Options For Multiple Sclerosis Seizures
It is important to get the proper treatment for seizures, as they can be a dangerous condition. They can occur at any time, so without the right treatment, they can cause problems for individuals who live alone or who drive. Luckily, there are many different ways to help control seizures and stop them from occurring. The most common treatment is to take prescription medications on a regular basis. There are a number of different medications that can help to stop the activity in the brain that causes seizures. These medications are typically referred to as anticonvulsants. They can only be prescribed by a proper medical professional. Some side effects can occur with these medications.
While taking these prescriptions medications, your doctor will want to keep monitoring you to see how your brain activity is and if you are experiencing more seizures. Make sure to keep track of any side effects or other symptoms you may be having. If the side effects are unbearable, there are a number of different anticonvulsants to try. Some may be better suited to your body, so tell your doctor if you think something else may be better for you.
