{"id":3116,"date":"2022-03-08T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-03-08T07:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/anev.com.pl\/co-to-jest-padaczka-objawy-przyczyny-i-leczenie\/"},"modified":"2022-03-08T08:00:00","modified_gmt":"2022-03-08T07:00:00","slug":"what-is-epilepsy-symptoms-causes-and-treatment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/anev.com.pl\/en\/co-to-jest-padaczka-objawy-przyczyny-i-leczenie\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is Epilepsy: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-group section-tldr\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"section-title wp-block-paragraph\">What will you learn?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>What is epilepsy, and how common is it in Poland and around the world?<\/strong><p>Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder in which recurrent seizures result from abnormal, excessive electrical activity in the brain\u2019s neurons. Approximately 50 million people worldwide live with epilepsy, about 300,000 in Poland, and about 27,000 new cases are diagnosed each year.<\/p><\/li><li><strong>What might the different types of epileptic seizures look like in children and adults?<\/strong><p>Epileptic seizures can manifest in many different ways: from a brief freeze or loss of movement to loss of consciousness, body stiffness, and generalized convulsions. In focal seizures, symptoms may include trembling in a single limb, tingling, unusual smells, anxiety, or <strong>d\u00e9j\u00e0 vu<\/strong>, and in children, the following are more common <strong>absence<\/strong>, atonic and myoclonic seizures.<\/p><\/li><li><strong>What can cause epilepsy, and what merely triggers a single seizure?<\/strong><p>The cause of epilepsy is the underlying condition, while a trigger is a stimulus that provokes a seizure in a person who is already susceptible. Causes include, among others, genetic factors, developmental abnormalities, head injuries, stroke, brain infections, tumors, and metabolic disorders, while triggers for some patients may include heat or flickering lights.<\/p><\/li><li><strong>What does epilepsy treatment involve, and when is epilepsy considered drug-resistant?<\/strong><p>The treatment of epilepsy relies primarily on antiepileptic drugs, which are usually started with <strong>monotherapy<\/strong>, that is, a single medication selected based on the type of seizures. Approximately 70\u201375% patients achieve seizure control with this approach, and epilepsy is considered drug-resistant when seizures continue to occur despite properly administered treatment.<\/p><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"lead wp-block-paragraph\">What is epilepsy, and how can you recognize it? In this article, we explain the most common symptoms, causes, and treatments, and we also examine what is actually known about hydrogen inhalation in the context of epilepsy.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><p><strong>What do you find in the article?<\/strong><\/p><nav><ul><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#co-to-jest-padaczka-i-jak-czsto-wystpuje\">What is epilepsy, and how common is it?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#objawy-padaczki-jak-mog-wyglda-napady\">Symptoms of epilepsy: what seizures may look like<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#przyczyny-padaczki-i-czynniki-ktre-mog-wyzwala-napad\">Causes of epilepsy and factors that can trigger a seizure<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#jak-rozpoznaje-si-padaczk\">How is epilepsy diagnosed?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#leczenie-padaczki-leki-skuteczno-i-lekooporno\">Epilepsy Treatment: Medications, Efficacy, and Drug Resistance<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#inhalacje-wodorem-a-padaczka-co-naprawd-pokazuj-badania\">Hydrogen Inhalation and Epilepsy: What the Research Really Shows<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#najczciej-zadawane-pytania\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"co-to-jest-padaczka-i-jak-czsto-wystpuje\">What is epilepsy, and how common is it?<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you want to understand, <strong>What is epilepsy?<\/strong>, start with the simplest definition. It's <strong>chronic neurological disease<\/strong>, in which recurrent seizures occur due to abnormal, excessive electrical activity in the brain\u2019s neurons. Simply put: some nerve cells send signals suddenly and chaotically, resulting in symptoms of varying severity\u2014ranging from a brief freeze to generalized seizures and loss of consciousness.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In practice <strong>Epilepsy is not a single disease with a single course<\/strong>. This is a rather broad group of disorders that can have various causes, present with different seizure patterns, and respond differently to treatment. In one person, a seizure may last only a few seconds and manifest as nothing more than a blank stare, while in another, it may lead to a fall, stiffness, and whole-body convulsions.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"skala-problemu-w-polsce-i-na-wiecie\">The Scale of the Problem in Poland and Around the World<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The scale of the phenomenon is significant. Worldwide, there are approximately <strong>50 million people<\/strong>. In Poland, it is estimated that there are approximately <strong>300,000 patients<\/strong>, and each year, approximately <strong>27,000 new cases<\/strong>. This shows that it is not a rare condition found exclusively in specialized neurological centers, but a real health problem encountered in everyday medical practice.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Data on children further underscore the severity of the problem. The number of medical services related to epilepsy and status epilepticus among the youngest children has increased from <strong>41,997 in 2020 to 45,498 in 2023<\/strong>, and the number of services provided alone from <strong>159,960 to 180,479<\/strong>. This does not automatically mean an increase in the total number of cases, but it does show that the strain on the healthcare system is significant and requires efficient diagnosis and ongoing treatment.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"w-jakim-wieku-najczciej-zaczyna-si-choroba\">At what age does the disease most commonly begin?<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the key factors is the age at which the disease begins. Approximately <strong>75% cases begin before the age of 19<\/strong>. Importantly, the first seizures can occur very early, sometimes as early as <strong>during the first year of life<\/strong>. For this reason <strong>What is epilepsy?<\/strong> This is a question that concerns not only adult patients, but also the parents of infants, children, and teenagers.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, this does not mean that epilepsy is exclusively a childhood disease. Seizures can also occur following a head injury, after a stroke, as part of metabolic disorders, or in connection with structural changes in the brain in adults and older adults. The age at onset aids in diagnosis but does not determine the diagnosis.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The most important takeaway for you is simple: epilepsy is a common, diverse condition that requires a thorough neurological evaluation. The mere occurrence of a strange episode involving loss of consciousness, immobility, tremors, or a fall should always be taken seriously.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"objawy-padaczki-jak-mog-wyglda-napady\">Symptoms of epilepsy: what seizures may look like<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many people associate epilepsy exclusively with severe, whole-body seizures. That's an oversimplification. If you're wondering, <strong>What is epilepsy?<\/strong>, you should know that the symptoms of a seizure can vary greatly. It depends on which part of the brain the abnormal electrical activity begins in and whether it immediately affects the entire brain or just a part of it.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Common symptoms include <strong>loss or alteration of consciousness, tremors, immobility, muscle rigidity, seizures, sudden falls, and brief episodes of disorientation<\/strong>. Some patients experience what is known as an \u201caura\u201d\u2014an early warning sign\u2014before a seizure. This may be an unusual smell, sound, or image; a tingling sensation; a feeling of anxiety; or a sense of d\u00e9j\u00e0 vu.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"napady-oglne-i-ich-typowe-objawy\">Generalized Seizures and Their Typical Symptoms<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Generalized seizures involve both hemispheres of the brain from the outset. The most characteristic type is the tonic-clonic seizure. It usually begins with <strong>sudden loss of consciousness<\/strong>, followed by the tonic phase, that is, <strong>whole-body stiffness<\/strong>. This is followed by the clonic phase, that is, <strong>rhythmic convulsions of the limbs and trunk<\/strong>. Such a seizure can last from several dozen seconds to 2\u20133 minutes, and is often followed by drowsiness, confusion, muscle pain, and amnesia regarding the event.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, not every generalized seizure looks the same. Some people experience tonic seizures characterized solely by stiffness, without noticeable convulsions. In others, clonic seizures or seizures with muscle weakness predominate. Therefore, simply saying \u201ehad convulsions\u201d is often not precise enough for a neurologist.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"napady-ogniskowe-ruchowe-czuciowe-i-psychiczne\">Focal seizures: motor, sensory, and psychological<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Focal seizures, formerly known as partial seizures, begin in a specific area of the brain. Their symptoms depend on the location of the electrical discharge. If the abnormal activity involves the motor areas, you may see <strong>trembling in one hand, a twitch at the corner of the mouth, turning the head to one side, or repetitive movements<\/strong>. If it affects sensory areas, the following symptoms appear: <strong>tingling, burning, vision problems, unusual sounds or smells<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are also focal seizures with psychological symptoms. The patient may suddenly experience intense anxiety, a sense that the surroundings are unreal, a feeling of having experienced the situation before (d\u00e9j\u00e0 vu), or, conversely, a feeling of complete alienation. Such episodes are sometimes misinterpreted as a psychological problem, whereas their source may be seizure activity in the temporal lobe.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In some focal seizures, consciousness is preserved, while in others it is impaired. In such cases, the person may stare at a single point, perform automatic movements, smack their lips, rub their hands, or walk aimlessly and fail to respond logically to commands. After the episode, they often do not remember what happened.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"aura-zaburzenia-wiadomoci-i-napady-atypowe\">Aura, disturbances of consciousness, and atypical seizures<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An aura is an important component of the clinical picture. Technically, it is often the onset of a focal seizure, which the patient is still consciously aware of. It can last a few seconds and take the form of <strong>the smell of something burning, a metallic taste, a tingling sensation, a flash of light, a sound, a tightness in the stomach, or d\u00e9j\u00e0 vu<\/strong>. This information is valuable to a doctor because it helps determine where in the brain the electrical discharge originates.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Atypical seizures are more common in children. These include <strong>absence<\/strong>, which are brief lapses in consciousness, usually lasting a few to several seconds. The child stops speaking, stares blankly ahead, and after a moment returns to their activity as if nothing had happened. Sometimes there are a dozen or several dozen such episodes a day, which is why they are mistaken for absent-mindedness or a problem with concentration.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another type is seizures <strong>atonic<\/strong>, in which there is a sudden loss of muscle tone. This can result in the head dropping, an object slipping from the hand, or a sudden fall. Seizures, on the other hand, <strong>myoclonic<\/strong> They manifest as brief, sudden muscle spasms, for example in the shoulders or arms. Such a movement may look like an uncoordinated jerk.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That is precisely why the answer to the question, <strong>What is epilepsy?<\/strong>, cannot be limited to the term \u201eseizure disorder.\u201d In practice, the symptoms are much broader, and an accurate diagnosis depends on a detailed description of each episode.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group info-box info-box--info has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-background\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\ud83d\udca1 Aura is an important clue:<\/strong> A smell, a sound, a tingling sensation, or a feeling of d\u00e9j\u00e0 vu before a seizure may indicate which area of the brain the electrical discharge is originating from.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"przyczyny-padaczki-i-czynniki-ktre-mog-wyzwala-napad\">Causes of epilepsy and factors that can trigger a seizure<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When discussing illness, people often confuse two different issues: <strong>the cause of epilepsy<\/strong> and <strong>a trigger for a single seizure<\/strong>. It\u2019s not the same thing. The cause explains why the nervous system is prone to seizures. A trigger is a stimulus that, in a specific situation, can provoke a seizure in someone who is already susceptible.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"przyczyny-genetyczne-i-rozwojowe\">Genetic and developmental causes<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">About <strong>10\u201315% cases<\/strong> A clear genetic basis can often be identified. This does not mean that every person with epilepsy has simply inherited the condition from their parents. Rather, it is often due to mutations or genetic variants that affect the functioning of neurons, ion channels, and neurotransmission in the brain. As a result, nerve cells are more prone to generating abnormal discharges.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Factors that come into play very early on\u2014even before birth or during the perinatal period\u2014are also significant. These include <strong>prenatal factors, perinatal injuries, and congenital malformations of the nervous system<\/strong>. If the brain does not develop properly, this can set the stage for seizures later in life.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"przyczyny-nabyte-urazy-udar-infekcje-i-guzy\">Acquired causes: injuries, stroke, infections, and tumors<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not all cases of epilepsy are caused by genetics or fetal development. There is a large group of acquired causes\u2014that is, those that arise during a person\u2019s lifetime. Among the most important are <strong>head injuries, stroke, brain infections, tumors, and metabolic disorders<\/strong>. In an adult, a first seizure occurring after the age of 50 or 60 requires a particularly thorough evaluation, specifically with regard to acquired causes.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Brain infections, such as encephalitis or meningitis, can damage nerve tissue and leave behind foci that are responsible for subsequent seizures. The same is true after a stroke: the area of damaged tissue can become a source of pathological impulses. Tumors, in turn, cause seizures through compression, infiltration, or disruption of local neuronal activity.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Metabolic disorders are a broad group of conditions, such as abnormal glucose or electrolyte levels. Sometimes they cause a single episode, and sometimes they reveal an existing predisposition. That is why blood tests are so important during diagnosis.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"co-moe-prowokowa-napad\">What Can Trigger a Seizure?<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A separate issue is the triggers that provoke a seizure. In some patients, episodes may be triggered by <strong>heat, flickering light<\/strong> or specific reflex stimuli. An example is reflex epilepsy, in which a seizure is associated with a specific external stimulus or action.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Flickering light is most often associated with screens or strobe lights, but sensitivity to it affects only a select group of patients. Therefore, it cannot be said that every person with epilepsy must avoid all screens. Similarly, heat is not a universal trigger, but for some people, high temperatures and overheating can increase the risk of a seizure.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The most sensible way to think about it is this: the cause is responsible for the disease itself, while a trigger can bring on an episode at a specific moment. This is an important distinction because it allows for better planning of diagnostics, daily safety, and treatment.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"jak-rozpoznaje-si-padaczk\">How is epilepsy diagnosed?<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A diagnosis is not based on a single test or on suspicion alone following a single episode. In practice <strong>What is epilepsy?<\/strong> and whether it is actually present in a given person is determined on the basis of <strong>a combination of medical history, neurophysiological tests, brain imaging, and laboratory tests<\/strong>. This is important because not every seizure indicates epilepsy, and not every epileptic seizure involves convulsions.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"eeg-po-pierwszym-podejrzeniu-padaczki\">EEG Following the Initial Suspicion of Epilepsy<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The basic test is <strong>EEG, or electroencephalography<\/strong>. It records the brain's electrical activity using electrodes placed on the scalp. If epilepsy is initially suspected, it is a good idea to have an EEG performed <strong>as soon as possible<\/strong>, because this increases the likelihood of detecting diagnostically significant changes.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A standard EEG is usually performed while the patient is awake, but it is often supplemented with <strong>provocation tests<\/strong>, such as hyperventilation or stimulation with light of varying frequencies. The goal is not to \u201einduce a condition,\u201d but to increase the test\u2019s sensitivity. The EEG result helps determine <strong>type of seizure, type of epilepsy, and treatment approach<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is important to remember, however, that a normal EEG does not rule out epilepsy. Abnormal electrical activity may not occur during the time the recording is being made. For this reason, the doctor evaluates the results in conjunction with the clinical picture, witness accounts, and, if necessary, additional tests.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"mri-ct-i-badania-laboratoryjne\">MRI, CT, and laboratory tests<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If structural changes in the brain are suspected, a key factor is <strong>MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging<\/strong>. This test helps determine whether there are any developmental abnormalities, scars from injuries, signs of a stroke, tumors, or other abnormalities in the brain that could explain the seizures.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Computed Tomography, or CT<\/strong>, is particularly important in emergency situations, such as after an injury, in cases of acute impaired consciousness, or when an MRI is not immediately available. A CT scan is faster but less accurate than an MRI in assessing certain lesions.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Laboratory tests complement the diagnostic process. Typically, the following are evaluated: <strong>glucose levels, electrolytes, kidney and liver function<\/strong>. These results help identify metabolic disorders that may trigger seizures or affect the safety of subsequent antiepileptic treatment.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"wywiad-okolicznoci-napadu-i-historia-rodzinna\">Interview: Circumstances of the Robbery and Family History<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even the best tests cannot replace a thorough medical history. The doctor will ask about <strong>duration of the seizure, loss of consciousness, type of movements, immobility, cyanosis, injuries, fever, light stimuli, the post-seizure period, and medications taken<\/strong>. Psychomotor development, previous illnesses, and family history are also important factors.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If possible, it\u2019s a good idea to prepare a description of the episode or a video recording made by a witness. Such material is often more useful than a general statement like \u201eit looked strange.\u201d In neurology, details matter: did the head turn to one side, did the seizure start in one arm, was there an aura, and did the patient respond to voice?.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That is precisely why diagnosing epilepsy is a process, not a single decision based on a single test. The more detailed the description of the episode and the sooner the tests are performed, the greater the chance of an accurate diagnosis.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group info-box info-box--tip has-vivid-green-cyan-background-color has-background\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\u2705 Prepare a description of the robbery:<\/strong> Record the duration, loss of consciousness, seizures, temperature, flashing lights, and medications taken. This makes diagnosis easier.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"leczenie-padaczki-leki-skuteczno-i-lekooporno\">Epilepsy Treatment: Medications, Efficacy, and Drug Resistance<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The treatment of epilepsy is primarily based on drug therapy. For most patients, the foundation is <strong>anti-epileptic drugs<\/strong>, selected based on seizure type, age, comorbidities, and tolerance for side effects. The goal is not merely to reduce the number of seizures, but to achieve the fullest possible control of the disease with an acceptable safety profile.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"monoterapia-jako-pierwszy-wybr\">Monotherapy as the first-line treatment<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Treatment usually begins with <strong>monotherapy<\/strong>, that is, a single medication. Typically, a medication is chosen based on the type of epilepsy, and treatment begins with <strong>low dose<\/strong> and gradually increases it. This approach allows for an assessment of efficacy and tolerability without introducing additional variables.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This approach is strongly supported by the data. In approximately <strong>70\u201375% patients<\/strong> Seizure control can be achieved with well-managed monotherapy alone. This is one of the most important practical facts: a properly selected first-line medication is often sufficient to keep the disease well controlled.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the first medication does not work well enough or causes side effects that are difficult to tolerate, the doctor may switch to a different one or consider adding another. This decision is not automatic. First, it is necessary to verify that the diagnosis and classification of the seizures are correct and that the dosage was appropriate.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"jak-dobiera-si-lek-do-typu-padaczki\">How is a medication selected based on the type of epilepsy?<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The choice of medication depends primarily on the type of epilepsy. In epilepsy <strong>generalized<\/strong> Traditionally, the following are used, among others: <strong>valproic acid derivatives<\/strong>. In epilepsy <strong>focal lengths<\/strong> A common choice is <strong>carbamazepine<\/strong>. This does not mean that only these substances are always used, but it illustrates the rationale behind the approach: the medication must be consistent with the mechanism of the seizures.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Today, newer-generation medications are also available, which often offer <strong>similar efficacy with better tolerability<\/strong>. In practice, the doctor also takes into account the patient\u2019s age, plans for pregnancy, liver and kidney diseases, interactions with other medications, and daily functioning. That is why two people with seemingly similar seizures may be prescribed different treatment regimens.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In a cohort study involving <strong>448 people with newly diagnosed focal epilepsy<\/strong> Approximately [number] achieved complete remission after the first course of treatment <strong>27%<\/strong> patients. After administering the two drugs, the percentage of patients who were seizure-free rose to approximately <strong>55%<\/strong>. These figures show two things at once: the first medication can be very effective, but some patients require further treatment attempts.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"kiedy-mwi-si-o-padaczce-lekoopornej\">When discussing drug-resistant epilepsy<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not everyone is able to achieve complete seizure control. Approximately <strong>20\u201330% patients<\/strong> has <strong>drug-resistant epilepsy<\/strong>, that is, a condition in which seizures continue to occur despite proper treatment with a series of appropriately selected medications. This group requires in-depth diagnostic testing and further evaluation by a specialist.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Drug resistance does not mean there are no options at all. Rather, it means that standard treatment does not provide full control, and further solutions must be sought: revising the diagnosis, changing the medication regimen, seeking a diagnosis at a referral center, and, in select cases, exploring other treatment methods. It is crucial not to judge the effectiveness of therapy too hastily and not to discontinue treatment on your own.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For the patient, the most important takeaway is practical: the more accurately the type of seizures is diagnosed and the more carefully treatment is managed from the start, the greater the chance of achieving stable control of the condition.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"inhalacje-wodorem-a-padaczka-co-naprawd-pokazuj-badania\">Hydrogen Inhalation and Epilepsy: What the Research Really Shows<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The topic of hydrogen inhalation is of interest, but it requires caution. In the context of the question <strong>What is epilepsy?<\/strong> and when it comes to treating it, we need to clearly distinguish between <strong>standard therapies with proven efficacy<\/strong> from adjunctive therapies that are still undergoing scientific evaluation. Currently, hydrogen inhalation is not considered a standard treatment for epilepsy.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"wyniki-badania-h2-o2-u-dzieci-z-iess\">Results of the H2-O2 Study in Children with IESS<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The most important reference study is a randomized, double-blind trial in children with IESS, or infantile epileptic seizure syndrome. The study used a mixture of <strong>66.6% H2 and 33.3% O2<\/strong> via <strong>1 hour, 4 times a day, for 14 days<\/strong>, as an adjunct to standard treatment.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The result was clear: <strong>No statistically significant advantage was demonstrated<\/strong> H\u2082O\u2082 inhalation over placebo in the primary efficacy endpoints. In other words, the study did not confirm that this form of therapy results in a significant clinical improvement beyond what is achieved with standard treatment.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Furthermore, certain abnormalities were observed more frequently in the group receiving a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen, including those related to <strong>the heart, the digestive tract, and liver function<\/strong>. This does not mean that every instance of hydrogen inhalation is inherently dangerous, but it does show that the issue is not straightforward and requires rigorous safety monitoring, especially in children.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"co-pokazuj-badania-przedkliniczne\">What Do Preclinical Studies Show?<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In preclinical studies\u2014that is, those conducted on animal models\u2014the results were sometimes more promising. Among other things, the following were reported: <strong>increasing the seizure threshold, delaying the onset of seizures, and shortening the duration of seizures<\/strong>. These are interesting findings because they suggest that hydrogen may influence the processes of oxidative stress and nerve cell damage.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, we need to keep things in perspective. <strong>An animal model is not the same as treating humans<\/strong>. The mechanism of the disease is different, as are the doses, gas concentrations, exposure conditions, and criteria for evaluating efficacy. In practice, many methods that looked promising in laboratory studies have not been shown to have clinical value in humans.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"dlaczego-inhalacje-wodorem-nie-zastpuj-leczenia\">Why hydrogen inhalation is not a substitute for medical treatment<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As of now, there is no strong evidence that hydrogen inhalation alone effectively treats epilepsy. For this reason, it can be considered, at most, as <strong>a supportive or research-based approach<\/strong>, and only <strong>under a doctor's supervision<\/strong>. They should not replace antiepileptic medications, EEG testing, MRI scans, or regular neurological follow-up.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If someone is considering this method, they should view it objectively: as an area of research, not as a ready-made solution. In epilepsy, what matters most is effective seizure control, safety, and the predictability of treatment. At this stage, standard pharmacological treatment continues to fulfill this role.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group info-box info-box--warning has-luminous-vivid-amber-background-color has-background\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\u26a0\ufe0f Hydrogen is not a substitute for medication:<\/strong> In a study of children, no significant improvement was observed following H2-O2 inhalations, and some adverse effects occurred more frequently.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"najczciej-zadawane-pytania\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list\">\n<div id=\"faq-q-1\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\">Does a single seizure mean epilepsy?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n\n<p>Not always. Epilepsy typically involves recurrent seizures resulting from abnormal neuronal activity. After the first episode, a doctor usually orders an EEG and, if necessary, an MRI and blood tests to rule out other causes.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-q-2\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\">What are the first symptoms of epilepsy?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n\n<p>Symptoms can vary widely. Some people experience seizures and loss of consciousness, while others experience brief pauses, immobility, stiffness, or an aura\u2014such as an unusual smell, sound, tingling sensation, or d\u00e9j\u00e0 vu.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-q-3\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\">Is epilepsy hereditary?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n\n<p>Sometimes, yes, but not in most cases. The identified genetic basis applies to approximately 10\u201315% patients. In addition to genes, prenatal factors, perinatal injuries, brain infections, stroke, head injuries, and tumors also play a role.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-q-4\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\">What tests are performed when epilepsy is suspected?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n\n<p>The main test is an EEG, which should ideally be performed as soon as possible after the first suspected seizure. This is often supplemented by a brain MRI and, in emergency situations, a CT scan. Blood tests are also helpful: glucose, electrolytes, and assessments of liver and kidney function.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-q-5\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\">Can epilepsy be effectively treated?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n\n<p>This is the case for many patients. Approximately 70\u201375% of patients achieve seizure control with appropriately selected monotherapy. At the same time, 20\u201330% of patients have drug-resistant epilepsy and require further medication selection or other treatment methods.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-q-6\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\">Do hydrogen inhalations help with epilepsy?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n\n<p>As of now, there is no strong evidence that hydrogen inhalation alone effectively treats epilepsy. In a study of children with IESS, a mixture of 66.6% H\u2082 and 33.3% O\u2082 administered four times a day for 14 days showed no significant advantage over a placebo. It may only be used as an adjunctive or experimental therapy under a doctor\u2019s supervision.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Epilepsy is a complex neurological disorder that cannot be reduced to a single symptom or a single treatment regimen. The most important factors are prompt diagnosis, accurate identification of the type of seizures, and consistent treatment. If seizures are suspected, a detailed description of the episode and a consultation with a neurologist are crucial.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Learn more - Click here: <a href=\"https:\/\/anev.com.pl\/en\/\">https:\/\/anev.com.pl\/<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What will you learn? What is epilepsy, and how common is it in Poland and around the world? Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder,\u2026<\/p>","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":888,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[25],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3116","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-baza-wiedzy"],"acf":[],"meta_title":"Co to jest padaczka? Objawy, przyczyny i leczenie","meta_description":"Co to jest padaczka? Poznaj objawy, przyczyny, diagnostyk\u0119 i leczenie oraz sprawd\u017a, co m\u00f3wi\u0105 badania o inhalacjach wodorem. Przeczytaj.","meta_keyword":"co to jest padaczka","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/anev.com.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3116","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/anev.com.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/anev.com.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/anev.com.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/anev.com.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3116"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/anev.com.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3116\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/anev.com.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/888"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/anev.com.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3116"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/anev.com.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3116"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/anev.com.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3116"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}<br />
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#1 [internal function]: wfWAFStorageFile-&gt;saveConfig()
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