Seizure Quiz

Understanding Seizures and Epilepsy

Seizures are sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain. They can cause changes in behavior, movements, feelings, and levels of consciousness. Having two or more unprovoked seizures at least 24 hours apart is often diagnosed as epilepsy. This knowledge base is crucial for first responders, healthcare students, and anyone wanting to provide safe and effective aid.

What is a Seizure?

A seizure is a transient occurrence of signs and/or symptoms due to abnormal excessive or synchronous neuronal activity in the brain. The brain’s normal electrical patterns are disrupted by sudden, synchronized bursts of electrical energy. This can affect a person’s awareness, muscle control, sensations, emotions, and behavior. While many associate seizures with dramatic convulsions, they can also be very subtle.

Types of Seizures

Seizures are broadly categorized into two groups based on where they begin in the brain:

• Focal Onset Seizures: These originate in one specific area of the brain. They can be simple (retaining awareness) or complex (with impaired awareness). Symptoms depend on the part of the brain affected and can range from twitching of a limb to complex emotional or sensory experiences.
• Generalized Onset Seizures: These seizures affect both sides of the brain from the start. They include types like absence seizures (staring spells), myoclonic seizures (brief muscle jerks), atonic seizures (loss of muscle tone), and tonic-clonic seizures (the most recognized type involving convulsions).

First Aid for Seizures: The Do’s and Don’ts

Knowing how to respond can prevent injury and provide comfort. The key is to stay calm and ensure the person’s safety.

Do:

• Stay with the person until the seizure ends and they are fully awake.
• Protect them from injury by moving hard or sharp objects away.
• Help them into a safe position, like on the floor. If possible, turn them gently onto one side to help them breathe.
• Place something soft under their head.
• Time the seizure.

Don’t:

• Do not hold the person down or try to stop their movements.
• Do not put anything in their mouth. This can injure their teeth or jaw. A person having a seizure cannot swallow their tongue.
• Do not try to give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. People usually start breathing again on their own after a seizure.
• Do not offer the person water or food until they are fully alert.

Diagnosing Epilepsy

Diagnosing epilepsy involves a thorough medical history and neurological exam. The most common diagnostic tool is an electroencephalogram (EEG), which records the brain’s electrical activity. Doctors may also use brain imaging tests like MRI or CT scans to look for any structural abnormalities that could be causing the seizures.

Common Seizure Triggers

For individuals with epilepsy, certain factors can increase the likelihood of a seizure. Common triggers include missed medication, lack of sleep, stress, illness or fever, flashing lights or patterns (photosensitivity), and alcohol or drug use.

Living with Epilepsy

With proper management, most people with epilepsy can lead full, active lives. Treatment often involves anti-seizure medications, but may also include dietary therapies (like the ketogenic diet), medical devices (like a vagus nerve stimulator), or surgery in some cases. It’s important to work closely with a neurologist to develop a personalized treatment plan.

This information is for educational purposes and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.