Seizures

Seizures occur when there's a sudden burst of uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain. This disrupts normal brain function and can affect any process your brain coordinates. Think of it like an electrical storm in the brain that temporarily interferes with normal signaling between nerve cells.

Not all seizures look the same. While many people picture dramatic convulsions, seizures can be subtle - sometimes just a brief staring spell or unusual sensations. The type of seizure depends on where in the brain the electrical disturbance starts and how far it spreads. Some affect the whole brain (generalized seizures), while others affect just one area (focal seizures).

Having a single seizure doesn't mean someone has epilepsy. About half of people who have one seizure never have another. Epilepsy is diagnosed when someone has two or more unprovoked seizures. However, any seizure warrants medical evaluation to determine the cause and need for treatment.

Neurological Conditions

• Epilepsy: Most common cause of recurrent seizures
• Brain tumors: Both benign and malignant
• Stroke: Leading cause in older adults
• Head trauma: Can cause immediate or delayed seizures
• Brain infections: Meningitis, encephalitis, abscess
• Developmental disorders: Cerebral palsy, autism
• Neurodegenerative diseases: Alzheimer's, dementia

Metabolic and Systemic Causes

• Low blood sugar: Especially in diabetics
• Low sodium: Electrolyte imbalance
• High fever: Particularly in young children
• Kidney or liver failure: Toxin buildup
• Severe dehydration: Electrolyte disturbance
• Lack of sleep: Major trigger
• Severe vitamin deficiencies: B1, B6, B12

Drugs and Toxins

• Alcohol withdrawal: Life-threatening seizures
• Drug withdrawal: Benzodiazepines, barbiturates
• Recreational drugs: Cocaine, amphetamines
• Medication side effects: Some antibiotics, antidepressants
• Poisoning: Lead, carbon monoxide
• Overdose: Various medications

Other Causes

• Genetic factors: Family history of epilepsy
• Prenatal injury: Infection, poor nutrition, oxygen lack
• Flashing lights: Photosensitive epilepsy
• Hormonal changes: Menstruation, pregnancy
• Extreme stress: Emotional or physical
• Unknown: Many seizures have no identifiable cause

What TO Do:

• Stay calm and time the seizure
• Protect from injury: Move harmful objects away
• Cushion the head: Use something soft
• Turn on side: Once seizure stops, to keep airway clear
• Stay with person: Until fully conscious
• Be reassuring: As they regain awareness
• Check for ID: Medical alert bracelet
• Document: What happened for medical team

What NOT to Do:

• DON'T restrain: Never hold person down
• DON'T put anything in mouth: Including your fingers
• DON'T give water or food: Until fully alert
• DON'T leave alone: Stay until recovered
• DON'T panic: Most seizures stop on their own

After the Seizure:

• Check for injuries
• Loosen tight clothing
• Clear airway if needed
• Let them rest
• Stay until oriented
• Offer to call someone
• Don't give medication unless prescribed

For people with epilepsy, certain factors can increase seizure likelihood:

• Missed medications: Most common trigger
• Lack of sleep: Major precipitating factor
• Stress: Physical or emotional
• Alcohol: Use or withdrawal
• Flashing lights: In photosensitive epilepsy
• Illness or fever: Lowers seizure threshold
• Menstruation: Hormonal changes
• Specific foods: Varies by individual
• Dehydration: Electrolyte imbalance
• Low blood sugar: Skipping meals
• Certain medications: Some lower seizure threshold
• Overexertion: Physical exhaustion
• Heat: Overheating

Medical History

• Detailed seizure description
• Witness accounts crucial
• Frequency and timing
• Potential triggers
• Family history
• Medical conditions
• Medications
• Head injuries

Diagnostic Tests

• EEG (Electroencephalogram): Records brain electrical activity
• Video EEG: Prolonged monitoring with video
• MRI brain: Detailed brain structure images
• CT scan: Quick brain imaging
• Blood tests: Electrolytes, glucose, liver/kidney function
• Lumbar puncture: If infection suspected
• PET scan: Brain metabolism
• Neuropsychological testing: Cognitive assessment

Safety Precautions

• Take medications as prescribed
• Wear medical alert identification
• Avoid swimming alone
• Use shower instead of bath
• Pad sharp corners at home
• Avoid heights and dangerous machinery
• Consider seizure alert devices
• Have emergency plan

Lifestyle Management

• Maintain regular sleep schedule
• Manage stress effectively
• Avoid known triggers
• Limit alcohol consumption
• Exercise regularly (with precautions)
• Keep seizure diary
• Join support groups
• Educate family and friends

Legal Considerations

• Driving restrictions vary by state
• Usually seizure-free period required
• Employment protections under ADA
• School accommodations available
• Disclosure decisions personal
• Insurance considerations

• Medication adherence: Never skip doses
• Sleep hygiene: 7-9 hours nightly
• Stress reduction: Meditation, yoga, counseling
• Avoid triggers: Know and avoid personal triggers
• Regular medical care: Monitor levels, adjust meds
• Healthy lifestyle: Diet, exercise, no smoking
• Limit alcohol: Or avoid completely
• Head protection: Helmets for risky activities
• Treat infections: Promptly to prevent fever
• Prenatal care: Prevent birth-related epilepsy
• Manage chronic conditions: Diabetes, blood pressure
• Safety measures: Prevent head injuries

Schedule an Appointment For:

• First seizure ever (after emergency evaluation)
• Change in seizure pattern
• Increased seizure frequency
• New seizure types
• Medication side effects
• Planning pregnancy
• Questions about activities

Call 911 For:

• Any first-time seizure
• Seizure lasting >5 minutes
• Repeated seizures without recovery
• Injuries during seizure
• Seizure in water
• Difficulty breathing
• Pregnant woman having seizure
• Person doesn't wake up