Seizure

Alternate Names
convulsion
fit
epilepsy

Definition of Seizure

Seizures are caused by sudden, large discharges of electrical impulses from brain cells. A seizure may involve a wide variety of symptoms, depending on the part of the brain affected and the type of seizure.

What are the signs and symptoms of the injury?

Signs and symptoms of seizures vary according to the type of seizure and the portion of the brain that is affected. Seizures are categorized by the extent and/or distribution of the abnormal electrical activity. Seizures are termed "general" if both sides of the brain are involved in the abnormal electrical discharges. They are called "partial" if the seizure involves a focal area of the brain.

In addition, seizures are characterized by the effect on consciousness or awareness of the individual. A "complex" seizure is one that causes loss of awareness or consciousness. A "simple" seizure spares consciousness. There are many types of seizures in each category some of which are listed below:

Generalized Seizures 1. Absence seizures used to be called petit mal seizures. They generally have the following characteristics:

• include small movements of the face or eyes
• involve staring into space or dulling of consciousness
• last from a few seconds to a minute
• are most common in children

2. Tonic-clonic seizures were formerly called grand mal seizures. These seizures often have the following characteristics:

• begin suddenly without warning
• cause confusion or fatigue the rest of the day
• include jerking of the arms and legs
• include loss of bladder control
• involve stiffening of the body
• last 1 to 2 minutes, with consciousness returning up to 15 minutes later

3. Atonic seizures may have the following characteristics:

• involve a loss of muscle tone so the person drops to the ground without warning
• last a few seconds
• person may or may not lose consciousness

4. Myoclonic seizures generally have the following characteristics:

• involve quick muscle jerking
• may be triggered by too much alcohol or not enough sleep
• usually do not cause loss of consciousness
• usually happen in the early morning

5. Chronic seizures may have the following characteristics:

• cause loss of consciousness
• involve muscle jerking
• are most common in childhood

Partial Seizures1. Simple partial seizures usually have the following characteristics:

• consciousness not changed
• last a few seconds
• may continue on to a complex partial seizure or generalized tonic-clonic seizure
• may involve body movements
• things in the environment may look, sound, feel, or taste differently

2. Complex partial seizures may include the following characteristics:

• automatic behaviors, such as lip smacking or hand rubbing
• confusion after the seizure is over
• loss of contact with the environment, even though the person is still conscious
• loss of memory for events that occur during the seizure
• may go on to a generalized tonic-clonic seizure

What are the causes and risks of the injury?

Seizures may be caused by many conditions, diseases, injuries, and other factors. These may include conditions such as the following:

• traumatic brain injury (either recent or long ago)
• previous brain surgery
• stroke (current or past)
• drugs (illicit or prescribed)
• withdrawal from alcohol, benzodiazepines etc
• infections such as brain abscess, meningitis or encephalitis
• metabolic conditions such as diabetes, hypoglycemia, thyroid dysfunction, and liver or kidney diseases
• abnormalities in the blood vessels of the brain
• acute bleeding into the brain, such as a subarachnoid hemorrhage
• brain tumors
• chromosomal abnormalities
• congenital diseases or conditions
• postanoxic brain injury
• extreme high blood pressures
• problems associated with pregnancy
• toxic exposures such as lead etc

What can be done to prevent the injury?

By reducing excessive alcohol use, a person decreases his or her risk of seizures. However, if a person with alcoholism stops drinking completely, the risk of withdrawal seizures increases. A sudden withdrawal from certain medicines, such as phenobarbital or diazepam, can also cause seizures. It's important to follow the healthcare provider's prescription for decreasing or stopping a medicine or alcohol.

It is important to follow the healthcare professional's prescription for decreasing or stopping a medicine or alcohol. Keeping blood pressure under control reduces the risk of stroke which can lead to seizures. People with epilepsy need to take their medicines as prescribed to lower the risk for seizures.

Protection against head injury is critical for all ages. Following sports safety guidelines for children, adolescents, and adults can prevent some injuries. Many times, there is no way to prevent epilepsy. Once it is diagnosed, individuals can lower their risk of seizures by:

• avoiding excess alcohol
• avoiding illegal drugs, especially marijuana and cocaine
• getting enough sleep
• limiting intake of stimulants such as caffeine
• recognizing and avoiding known factors that trigger their own seizures
• seeking prompt treatment for fever and illness
• taking all medicines as prescribed

How is the injury recognized?

Seizure is diagnosed primarily by a medical history and physical examination performed by a physician. Symptoms listed below endorsed by an individual can be suggestive of seizure:

• a sudden change in behavior
• acute confusion
• loss of bowel and bladder control
• loss of consciousness
• episodic twitching or jerking of the arms, legs, or both

Other types of seizures may produce more subtle symptoms.

Tests that may help in clarification of symptoms suggestive of seizure include:

• electroencephalogram (EEG)
• MRI of the brain
• blood and urine tests

If the physician is concerned about an infection involving the brain, a spinal tap may be obtained.

What are the treatments for the injury?

The treatment for seizure is dependent on the cause. A first-ever seizure may not require any medication, particularly if a treatable cause is found, such as an infection or drug withdrawal.

A second seizure without a known cause would warrant antiepileptic medication. If the seizure is due to a tumor, stroke, or history of traumatic brain injury, antiepileptic medication may be started even after the first-ever seizure.

When a seizure occurs, the first treatment is to keep the person safe. Anyone giving first aid to a person having a seizure should follow these steps:

• If possible, move furniture and other sharp objects away from the person.
• If the victim starts to vomit, roll him or her on his or her side.
• If possible protect the person from falling and from hitting his or her head.
• Stay with the victim and get help from his or her healthcare professional.
• Try to prevent the victim from hurting him or herself or someone nearby.

When someone has a seizure, it's important that bystanders do not:

• move the victim, unless he or she is in serious danger
• place fingers in the victim's mouth
• restrain the victim
• slap the victim or try to stop him or her from convulsing
• try to give rescue breaths or CPR during the seizure

Contact emergency medical services right away if:

• the victim has never had a seizure before
• the victim had a seizure while in water
• seizures are lasting longer than 2 minutes
• the victim has other health problems such as diabetes or high blood pressure
• the victim is having many seizures
• the victim is ill, has a fever, seems very weak, or is drunk
• the victim is not able to be awakened between seizures

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Antiepileptic medications are associated with various side-effects depending on the particular drug used. Many may cause drowsiness particularly at first. Tests may be warranted to screen for any untoward effects on the liver, kidney, or bone marrow when the medication is first started.

What happens after treatment for the injury?

An individual with seizure disorder will need routine follow-up with a physician. If the cause of seizure is a tumor, drug withdrawal, infection, or stroke, these conditions will need to be addressed by the individual's healthcare professionals.

State laws differ, but generally require an individual who has had a seizure to refrain from driving for a period of time. This information should be provided by the treating physician to an individual where these restrictions apply. Swimming and bathing alone or unsupervised should also be avoided.

The consumer health information on Activeforever.com is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen.