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Bisola Badmus: 10 things to know about Encephalopathy disease

Popular Nollywood actress, Bisola Badmus, recently opened up about her battle with life-threatening brain tumours, which have taken a toll on her life and motherhood.

The 40-year-old actress, well-known to lovers of Nollywood Yoruba films, revealed this in a recent interview on Talk to B with Biola Adebayo.

According to her, the condition, known as encephalopathy in its early stages, caused her to suffer memory loss and forced her to take a three-year break from social media.

However, she is not the only one affected by this disease, as many others are also suffering from the same condition.

In this article, Tribune Online highlights 10 things you should know about encephalopathy disease.

1. Encephalopathy refers to a wide range of brain disorders that impair brain function. Its symptoms range from confusion and anxiety to complete personality transformation. It can cause either temporary or chronic brain damage.

2. It can manifest through memory loss, personality changes, and, in severe cases, leads to coma. This disease’s causes range from infections and exposure to toxins to underlying health conditions.

3. Other common symptoms of the disease include changes in thought and behaviour, disorientation, memory loss, tiredness, and behavioural changes.

4. Encephalopathy can have various causes. Most often, the condition arises without major structural damage to the brain. Causes include infections like encephalitis, meningitis, brain tumours, increased intracranial pressure, stroke, cancer, and poisoning among others.

5. The disease is not age-specific, as it can affect all ages, from newborns to the elderly. However, it is more common among people who are above the age of 65, those who have had difficult births, those who have suffered head trauma, or those with systemic conditions like kidney or liver disease.

6. Potential complications of encephalopathy include permanent brain damage and developmental delays in children, among others.

7. The disease diagnosis typically involves a thorough medical history, physical and neurological exams, and relevant tests to identify the cause and severity.

8. Encephalopathy treatment is based on the underlying cause and may include antibiotics or anti-seizure medications, life support measures, or surgery, including organ transplants if necessary.

9. Prevention of encephalopathy is not always possible. However, maintaining good overall health, managing underlying conditions, and taking precautions like wearing helmets can help reduce the risk.

10. The outlook for encephalopathy varies. While there is no cure, treatment can manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Early diagnosis and treatment lead to better outcomes, although severe cases can cause permanent brain damage and necessitate rehabilitation or assistance with daily tasks.

However, some cases of encephalopathy can be severe and life-threatening, potentially causing permanent changes in brain function. The affected person may need rehabilitation to relearn everyday tasks. In some instances, adjustments or assistance from others might be necessary to perform activities previously handled independently, such as preparing meals or managing medications.

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