Summary about Disease
Seizures are disturbances in brain activity that cause changes in attention or behavior. They can manifest in many ways, from brief staring spells to convulsions with loss of consciousness. Seizures are a symptom of an underlying brain condition, not a disease in themselves. Epilepsy is diagnosed when a person has two or more unprovoked seizures.
Symptoms
Seizure symptoms vary greatly depending on the type of seizure. Some common symptoms include:
Convulsions with loss of consciousness
Muscle spasms or jerking movements
Staring spell with unresponsiveness
Temporary confusion
Loss of awareness
Strange sensations (e.g., tingling, numbness, or smells)
Emotional changes (e.g., fear, anxiety)
Sudden falls
Causes
Seizures can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
Epilepsy (a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures)
High fever (febrile seizures, especially in children)
Head trauma
Stroke
Brain tumor
Infections (e.g., meningitis, encephalitis)
Drug or alcohol withdrawal
Metabolic disorders (e.g., low blood sugar, electrolyte imbalances)
Congenital brain defects
Genetic factors
Medicine Used
Medications used to treat seizures are called anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) or anti-seizure medications. Common examples include:
Levetiracetam (Keppra)
Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
Valproic acid (Depakote)
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Topiramate (Topamax)
Ethosuximide (Zarontin)
Clonazepam (Klonopin) The choice of medication depends on the type of seizure, the individual's medical history, and potential side effects.
Is Communicable
Seizures are not communicable or contagious. You cannot "catch" a seizure from someone else. They are a result of brain activity disturbances within an individual.
Precautions
During a seizure, the primary goal is to protect the person from injury. Precautions include:
Protecting the person's head with a pillow or soft object.
Loosening tight clothing around the neck.
Turning the person onto their side to prevent choking on saliva or vomit.
Staying with the person until the seizure ends and they are fully alert.
Calling emergency services (911 or equivalent) if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, the person has difficulty breathing or is injured.
Do NOT put anything in the person's mouth.
Do NOT try to restrain the person. For individuals with known seizure disorders:
Take prescribed medications regularly as directed.
Avoid known triggers (e.g., sleep deprivation, alcohol, stress).
Wear a medical identification bracelet or necklace.
Inform caregivers and family members about their condition and how to respond to seizures.
How long does an outbreak last?
Seizures are not outbreaks like infectious diseases. An individual seizure lasts from a few seconds to a few minutes. Epilepsy, the condition characterized by recurrent seizures, is a chronic condition. There is no "outbreak" in the traditional sense.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis of seizures and epilepsy typically involves:
Medical history and neurological examination: The doctor will ask about the person's symptoms, medical history, and family history.
Electroencephalogram (EEG): This test measures brain activity and can help identify abnormal electrical patterns associated with seizures.
Imaging studies (MRI or CT scan): These scans can help identify structural abnormalities in the brain that may be causing seizures.
Blood tests: To rule out metabolic disorders or infections.
Timeline of Symptoms
Seizure symptoms occur abruptly and usually last from seconds to a few minutes. The timeline generally includes:
Aura (sometimes): A warning sensation (e.g., unusual smell, visual disturbance, feeling of fear) that precedes the seizure.
Ictal phase (during the seizure): The main phase of the seizure, characterized by the specific symptoms experienced (e.g., convulsions, staring, loss of consciousness).
Postictal phase (after the seizure): A period of confusion, drowsiness, headache, or weakness that can last from minutes to hours.
Important Considerations
Seizures can be caused by a variety of underlying conditions. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment.
Treatment options include medication, surgery, vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), and dietary therapies (e.g., ketogenic diet).
People with epilepsy can live full and active lives with proper management.
Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) is a rare but serious complication of epilepsy.
Driving restrictions may apply to individuals with seizures. Consult with a doctor regarding driving safety.