Seizures
What is it?
A seizure is a temporary loss of control, but not always accompanied by convulsions, unconsciousness, or both. Most common are epileptic seizures, or seizures caused by sudden abnormal electrical discharges in the brain. Doctors have described more than 30 different types of seizures and divided them into 2 major categories: focal which involves on part of the brain and generalized which involves both sides of the brain.
What causes this condition?
Seizures are caused by overexcited nerve cells in the brain (cerebral cortex) that fire abnormally. In many cases (about half), the cause isn’t known. Some things that can cause seizures include:
• Head injury
• Genes
• Dementia
• Injury to the brain before birth
• Some medical conditions (such as meningitis)
• Stroke and heart attack
Treatment Options
The goal of therapy is to stop the seizures, minimize drug side effects, stop seizures from coming back, and help you readjust to your home life and work environment after a seizure. Seizures cannot currently be cured however 80% of cases can be controlled with medication.
Options include the following:
• Medications such as anticonvulsants and sedatives
• A diet high in fat and low in protein and carbohydrates
• Some herbs such as Bacopa and Chamomile
• Chiropractic, Osteopathic, or naturopathic manipulation
Signs and symptoms
• Staring and unresponsiveness
• Confusion
• Jerks and twitches
• Wandering
• Shaking or falling
• Picking or lip smacking
• Whole body convulsion (grand mal seizure)
FIRST AID STEPS
Non-Convulsive:
• Watch the person carefully.
• Speak quietly and calmly to the person.
• Guide the person to a safe place.
• Don’t restrain the person.
• Stay with the person until they gain complete consciousness.
Convulsive:
• Time the seizure.
• Look for an “epilepsy” or seizure disorder” bracelet.
• Place the person on their side, away from hazardous materials.
• Don’t put anything in the person’s mouth.
• Remove eyeglasses and any tight objects around the person’s neck.
• Call 9-1-1 if the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes or results in injury.
• Stay with the person until help arrives.