What is reflex epilepsy?

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By Chetana Belagere

10/11/2023

Imagine having a seizure every time you hear a particular song, when reading a book, while brushing your teeth, having a hot bath or thinking deeply. For some this is reality.

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With November being Epilepsy Awareness Month, Dr Kalyani Dilip Karkare, a distinguished neurologist speaks at length about reflex epilepsy and some of its unique triggers.

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If you experience two or more seizures within 24 hours, or if after a single seizure you have a 60 percent higher risk of having another episode, then you are diagnosed with epilepsy.

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Reflex epilepsy is a condition that illuminates the brain’s response networks to internal and external stimuli. It is characterised by seizures frequently triggered by specific stimuli.

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There is a common misconception that extreme stress is the direct cause of reflex epilepsy. What’s crucial to understand is it requires a specific stimulus that repeatedly causes seizures.

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The most common kinds in order are photosensitive epilepsy (strobing lights), hot water epilepsy (bathing in hot water), eating epilepsy (specific foods) and cognitive epilepsy (A complex thought).

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In managing epilepsy, it’s important to identify modifiable factors, such as dietary habits in “eating epilepsy” or the use of protective glasses in photosensitive epilepsy.

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Public awareness of first aid for seizures is important. There is a lot of stigma attached to epilepsy. People tend to hide it from their own family members. This should stop.

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