Seizures

A seizure is a sudden, temporary malfunction of the brain's usually organized, coordinated discharge of electrical impulses. There are many types of seizures, some serious, some less so. Epilepsy is defined as a disorder of recurrent unprovoked seizures.

Seizures can be caused by epilepsy, head injury, stroke, brain tumor, infection, high fever, heart attack, kidney or liver failure, diabetes, withdrawal from alcohol or drugs, and sometimes as a side effect of certain medications (amphetamines and some tranquilizers). Some people may have only one seizure in their lifetime. For other people, seizures can become a chronic condition. In those who are susceptible, stimuli such as flashing lights or loud, pulsating sounds can trigger a seizure. More than 2 million people in America have seizure disorders. The majority of these disorders start either in childhood--frequently between ages 3 and 14--or in late adulthood--older than 65.

The two main types of seizures are primary generalized seizures and partial seizures. Primary generalized seizures cause unconsciousness. In partial seizures, you do not pass out but may experience jerking movements, abnormal sensations and other disturbances.

What to Do

Talk to your doctor if you experience unexpected, undiagnosed or unusual seizure-like events; if you have been diagnosed with a seizure disorder and you notice any change in your condition or side effects of medication; if you experience a seizure weeks or months after a head injury; if you have been diagnosed with a brain tumor and you have a seizure; or if you become pregnant and you're taking anti-seizure medication.

Use Medicine Effectively

Learn which medications may trigger a seizure in susceptible people. Amphetamines, some tranquilizers, anti-psychotics and some asthma medications may trigger a seizure.

Special Concerns for Children Who Have a Seizure

A very high, spiking fever may produce a seizure in a child. Overheating causes misfiring of electrical impulses in the brain. These febrile seizures usually occur in children 6 months to 5 years old, often before parents are even aware that a child is ill, are short-lived (less than five minutes in duration), and leave no lasting effect. Febrile seizures affect between 2 and 5 percent of children younger than age 5. All children should be seen by a physician after a first seizure. During a seizure, your primary goal is to prevent your child from injuring himself or herself and inhaling vomit. If poisoning or an infection could be the cause, seek emergency help.

Self-care Steps for Seizures

For yourself:

• Know which activities, lights and noises may trigger a seizure and do your best to avoid these.

• Learn if and when it's safe to drive a car.

• If you have a seizure and remain conscious, try to remember everything you can and tell your doctor where you were when the seizure started, what you were doing, how long it lasted and whether you injured yourself.

• If you have a seizure and you do not remain conscious, tell your doctor what you are able to recall. Write this information down, if necessary.

• If you are a woman who is approaching or past menopause, know whether you have osteoporosis (brittle bones), since people usually fall if a seizure occurs while they are standing.

• Long-term use of some anti-epileptic medications can contribute to the development of osteoporosis. Ask your health care provider if your medications have put you at risk for osteoporosis.

For others:

• Stay calm.

• Do not move the person unless he or she is in danger, such as in the middle of a street.

• Move objects, such as furniture, out of the way of someone having a seizure.

• Do not restrain the person having a seizure.

• Do not put anything in the mouth of the person having a seizure. Make sure the person is able to breathe, and turn a person having a seizure onto his or her side if vomiting occurs.

• Stay with the person until the seizure is over, usually two minutes or less.

• If the seizure lasts longer than two minutes or the person having the seizure does not awaken, call for emergency help.