Cryptogenic epilepsy is the most common form of epilepsy in adult-onset cases of the condition. The causes of this form of epilepsy are not well understood, and some people can end up with this condition without an inciting event like a head injury or suffering damage to the brain due to an illness. By definition, the cause for this form of epilepsy is unknown.
Symptoms can vary in patients who have been diagnosed with cryptogenic epilepsy. Some patients show little to no symptoms, while others experience recurring seizures with notable symptoms. Those with seizures might experience symptoms such as:
It is thought that this condition is genetic and can be caused by a specific gene mutation. The causes of adult-onset epilepsy are still poorly understood, and more study is needed to understand why some people begin to show signs of epilepsy later in life.
The risk factors for cryptogenic epilepsy are:
These are the most common risk factors, it is not necessary to have any of these conditions to start showing signs of cryptogenic epilepsy.
Diagnosis of this form of epilepsy can involve various methodologies. Diagnosis can be made through the use of an electroencephalogram (EEG), which tracks electrical activity in the brain when seizure activity is present. Brain scans can also be used to identify trauma, tumours, or scarring in the brain that might be contributing to epilepsy. MRI is also sometimes used to look at the brain itself and see if it has been damaged in some way.
In some cases, a single-photon emission computerised tomography test (SPECT) will be used to track activity in the brain during a seizure. This test uses a small injection of radioactive material that helps map the blood flow in the brain.
Diagnosis of those who do not show symptoms can be difficult or even impossible. In some cases, infants who have suffered severe brain damage during birth will be monitored carefully for early signs of epileptic symptoms. Older patients might need help from family members to report the onset of seizure activity that is mild. Sometimes patients are not even aware that they are having seizures while symptoms remain mild.
Treatment of this condition involves the use of one or more anti-seizure drugs. These drugs often have to be adjusted slowly and carefully over time to find the right balance of medications to prevent seizure activity. In some cases, surgery to remove a small part of the brain might be recommended. This kind of treatment can only be used in cases where the part of the brain that is causing the seizure activity is not connected with the centres that control motor function, speech, language, memory, or taste and smell.
Prevention of this epileptic condition is not typically possible. Most patients do not suffer from any clear inciting incident that would lead to their symptoms, and cryptogenic epilepsy is always considered to be epilepsy for which the cause is not known.