What is the occipital epilepsy?

Occicital epilepsy is a rare condition that usually affects children, usually from five and seven ages. The syndrome is also called benign occipital epilepsy, characterized by seizures that come from the occipital lobe in the back of the brain. Some patients experience seizures that are primarily night, while others should only have them during the day. They may be initiated by visual stimulation, although in some cases seizures occur for no apparent reason. The disorder often leads to symptoms that affect vision, especially if the patient's seizures occur during the day because most visual processing is carried out in the occipital lobe.

When a seizure of occipital epilepsy occurs, the first symptom is often visual hallucinations. Patients can see flashes of color or light, complex illusions or images that appear to repeat in front of their eyes. There may be other visual effects; For example, partial or full blindness may occur.From side to side, the eyelids may be shake and there may be pain in the eyes.

In addition to visual problems, those who have occipital epilepsy often have a number of other symptoms during seizures. During or after the episode, serious headaches often occur; In many cases, the condition is confused with migraines caused by these headaches and corresponding visual allusions. Many patients also become nausea and vomiting. Sometimes there will be uncontrollable jerk on one side of the body; This is more common in patients who have seizures at night.

Diagnosis of occipital epilepsy usually begins with a detailed medical history of the patient's symptoms. The physician may also perform a neurological examination to determine whether the brain works normally and to see if there is evidence that they affect mental processing or physical abilities. Electroencephalography, or EEG, is usually very useful in obtaining an accurate diagnosis,Because it can determine which part of the brain generates seizures. Visual stimulation, such as flashing light, can be used to induce nerve activity.

Medical therapy is usually a preferred method for the treatment of occipital epilepsy. Two epilepsic drugs, carbamazepine and oxkazepin have proved to be effective in checking seizures in most patients. For those who do not respond to these drugs, surgery may be a necessary alternative.