Seizures

What are Seizures?

• Physical findings or changes in behavior that occur after an episode of abnormal electrical activity in the brain

• Sometimes called as ‘convulsions’

A Seizure is NOT A DISEASE but a SYMPTOM

Why do Seizures happen? There is a sudden surge of electrical charges in the brain

What can cause Seizures?

• Congenital brain defects

• Tumors • Diseases (i.e. Epilepsy) • Brain infections • Fever • No known cause

• Sleep deprivation • Trauma (ex. Head

injury) • Lack of oxygen

SEIZURE TRIGGERS

Lack of sleep Psychological stress

Illness Flashing lights/patterns

Specific activities, noises or food

What happens when someone has seizures?

• BEGINNING – Prodrome

– Aura

What happens when someone has seizures?

• MIDDLE – Blurry vision – Formed visual hallucination – Blacking out – Drooling – Repeated blinking of the eye; staring – Slurring of words – Numbness, tingling-like sensation of the body – Convulsions – Teeth clenching

What happens when someone has seizures?

• End –Confusion –Memory loss – Feeling scared – Anxiousness, embarrassment or feeling ashamed

How are Seizures treated?

Medication

How do you prevent Seizures?

• ALWAYS take the prescribed medication(s) as instructed • Get plenty of rest or sleep • Reduce stress • Have a healthy lifestyle (diet + exercise) • Avoid head injuries

What do YOU do when someone has Seizures?

ALWAYS PROTECT THE PERSON

FROM ANY INJURY OR FURTHER

INJURY

• Prevent falls

• Clear area of sharp objects

• Cushion the person’s head

• Do not restrain

• Loosen tight clothing

• Time the episode

HOW?

HOW? • Turn to side • Do not try to insert any object in the person’s

mouth – NEVER PRY A CLOSED MOUTH OPEN! • Reassure the people around and give the person

room • NEVER LEAVE THE PERSON’S SIDE

WHEN to call for PROFESSIONAL HELP?

• ALWAYS! ! • Seizure duration: 2-5 minutes • Another episode happened right after the previous

episode ended • If the episode happened in water • If the person does not awaken or have normal behavior

after episode • If the person is injured or pregnant