The major sign in this condition is the occurrence of seizures which happen when our brain cells that communicate through electric impulses start sending out the wrong signals. These seizures can last anywhere from several seconds to a few minutes. Having just one seizure does not mean you have epilepsy. Generally, the occurrence of several seizures are a clear indication of epilepsy.
Epilepsy and Ayurveda
Epilepsy is called Apasmara (Apa = loss, smara = memory, intelligence and/or consciousness). Akshepaka is a disease that is characterized by convulsions. In Ayurveda, the convulsions are caused due to an imbalance of the Vata dosha. The loss of consciousness in terms of doshic influence can be attributed to Pitta dosha. When one loses consciousness soon after seeing the colors red, blue and black and also recovers quickly, this is considered as a sign of Vata disturbance. Similarly, Pitta disturbances happen due to seeing the colors light or dark red or yellow and recovering with heavy sweating.
Convulsions in Apasmara are followed by losing consciousness and frothing at the mouth. Due to its cardinal sign of loss of consciousness or memory, epilepsy or epileptic attacks are commonly known as the ‘falling disease’ or ‘fits.’ It is a serious disorder of the central nervous system that affects both children and adults alike.
Depending on the dominance of the three doshas and their combined effect, it is classified into four types.
A fifth type, called Yoshapasmara, which is more prevalent among women. Yoshapasmara is another type of epileptic seizure elaborated in our texts and finds relevance in the condition of hysteria. Many a times, it is ignored as a tendency or hereditary factor. This has grave impact on the growth and well-being of the female suffering and the people associated with her. But on a positive note, it is treatable and can bring about a great change in the person afflicted by this.
Types of Epileptic Seizures
Seizures are classified in two main categories:
1. Partial seizures involve a part of the brain. They can be:
- Simple partial seizures. Symptoms may include involuntary twitching of the muscles or arms and legs; changes in vision; vertigo; and having unusual tastes or smells.
The person does not lose consciousness.
- Complex partial seizures. Symptoms may be like those of partial seizures, but the person does lose awareness for a time. The person may do things over and over, like walking in a circle, rubbing the hands together, or staring into space.
2. Generalized seizures involve much more or all of the brain. They can be:
- Absence seizures (petit mal). Symptoms may include staring and brief loss of consciousness.
- Myoclonic seizures. Symptoms may include jerking or twitching of the limbs on both sides of the body.
- Tonic-clonic seizures (grand mal). Symptoms may include loss of consciousness, shaking or jerking of the body, and loss of bladder control. The person may experience an aura or an unusual feeling before the seizure starts. These seizures can last from 5 to 20 minutes.
