Neurologist discusses epilepsy causes and treatments

Neurology specialist Dr. Abdurrahman Akbaş provided insights into epilepsy, a condition characterized by temporary abnormal electrical discharges in brain cells, in observance of World Epilepsy Day. The condition affects approximately 1% of the global population and occurs equally across genders and races.

Dr. Akbaş noted that while some seizure types can be fully resolved with treatment, others may persist throughout a lifetime. Potential causes for epilepsy include strokes, brain infections such as meningitis or encephalitis, severe head trauma, and oxygen deprivation during childbirth. In many cases, the underlying cause remains unknown, though genetic factors may play a role.

The primary treatment involves antiepileptic medications designed to prevent seizures. Dr. Akbaş emphasized that these medications must be used regularly under strict medical supervision to ensure treatment success.