Seizure Recognition

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Seizure Recognition Response
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Todays Objectives

• Identify the most common type of seizures.
• Define epilepsy and describe possible causes of
  disorder.
• Describe appropriate response to seizures.
• Discuss available treatment options.

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• Epilepsy is

• NOT Contagious
• NOT a Mental Illness
• NOT Mental Retardation

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• Epilepsy is

• A neurological disorder of the brain
  characterized by the tendency to have recurring
  seizures.
• Also known as a Seizure Disorder.

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Did You Know

• Over 2 million Americans have epilepsy.
• The largest group with epilepsy is children under
  the age of 18.
• 1 in every 60 children has epilepsy.
• Over 60,000 people in Minnesota are affected by
  epilepsy.

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What happens to brain activity during a seizure?

• Sudden electrical activity in the brain.
• There are over 20 different seizure types.
• Most seizures are either partial or generalized.
• Where the activity occurs in the brain will
  determine how the seizure will look.

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Causes of Epilepsy

• Head Trauma
• Brain tumor and stroke
• Poisoning lead or alcohol
• Infection and maternal injury
• Some forms are genetic

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In 70 of the epilepsy cases there is no known
cause.
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Seizure Triggers

• Failure to take medications
• Lack of Sleep
• Stress / Anxiety
• Dehydration
• Hormonal Changes
• Photosensitivity Strobe Lights
• Menstrual Cycle

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• Main Seizure Types

• Absence Seizures
• Simple Partial Seizures
• Complex Partial Seizures
• Tonic Clonic Seizures

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• Absence Seizures
• Usually starts between the ages of 4 and 12 years
• Characterized by a brief staring spell eye
  fluttering may occur
• Starts and ends abruptly

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• Absence Seizures
• Quickly returns to complete awareness
• Often confused with daydreaming
• Can happen several times a day

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• Simple Partial Seizures
• Uncontrollable shaking movements of hand, arm or
  legs, relating to the function area of brain
  involved
• Sensory Seizures may see flashing lights in
  peripheral vision, hear bells ringing, etc.
• Seizure usually lasts between 1 and 2 minutes
  no impairment of consciousness

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• Complex Partial Seizures
• Most common seizure type.
• Unaware of surroundings and unable to respond.
• Repetitive, purposeless movements such as lip
  smacking, hand wringing, or wandering. Actions
  seem unusual.
• Seizure usually lasts approximately three
  minutes.

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Appropriate Response Complex Partial

• Stay calm
• Track time
• Do not restrain
• Gently direct away from hazards
• Remain with the individual until they have gained
  full awareness

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Generalized Tonic Clonic

• NOT the most common type
• Completely unconscious
• Characterized by a sudden fall
• May cry out or make some types of noise
• Onset of uncontrolled jerking or shaking of
  muscles
• May have irregular breathing
• Lasts 5 minutes or less

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Appropriate Response Generalized Tonic
Clonic

• Stay calm
• Protect their head
• Turn on side to prevent choking
• Track time
• Check for Seizure Disorder ID
• Move objects out of the way

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Appropriate Response Generalized Tonic
Clonic

• Remain with them until they have gained full
  awareness
• If seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, call EMS
• Recovery period Post Ictal state

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When to Call 911

• Emergency medical services are necessary when
  the person
• Is Injured
• Has Diabetes
• Is Pregnant
• Does not Resume Normal Breathing
• Has a 1st time seizure

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• Also call 911 if
• STATUS EPILEPTICUS
• There is more than 5 minutes
• of continuous seizure activity.
• OR
• Two or more consecutive seizures
• without complete recovery.

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Treatment Options

• Medication
• Surgery
• Ketogenic Diet
• VNS

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Medications

• Since 1993, many new medications have been
  introduced.
• With Treatment
• Approximately 60 of people achieve
• seizure control after the 1st year.
• 15 achieve control at a later date.
• 25 continue to have seizures despite
• treatment.

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• Common Side Effects
• of Medication
• Lethargy
• Memory difficulties
• Cognitive or concentration difficulties
  (difficulties staying focused)
• Hyperactivity

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• Surgery Options
• Lobectomy
• Corpus Callosotomy
• Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)

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• Ketogenic Diet
• Introduced in 1921
• Fasting decreases seizure frequency
• Low in proteins and carbs high in fat
• Used with meds

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• Social Issues in Epilepsy
• Relationships
• Financial costs
• School/employment
• Driving
• Recreational Activities

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• Psychological Issues
• Emotional Difficulties
• Depression, anger, anxiety and/or fear
• Cognitive Problems
• Some people with epilepsy may have developmental
  delays

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• Prevention
• Prevent Head Injuries
• Always wear a helmet
• Always wear a seatbelt

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• Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota
• 1-800-779-0777
• www.efmn.org
• Epilepsy Foundation
• www.efa.org

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The Epilepsy Foundation will ensure that people
with seizures are able to participate in all life
experiences and will prevent, control and cure
epilepsy through services, education, advocacy
and research.