Seizures and epilepsy: Here’s what you need to know
MUNCIE, Ind. – Seizures are a common brain disease that likely everyone will experience or witness within their lifetime. Some can last a few seconds and aren’t life threatening while others can be very dangerous. Learn about seizures and epilepsy and what to do if one occurs.
What is epilepsy and seizures?
Epilepsy is a chronic brain disorder in which the brain sends the wrong signals and causes seizures. The signals are made up from a group of nerve cells called neurons. Normally, these neurons create electrical and chemical signals that produce human thoughts, feelings and actions. During a seizure, many neurons will send a signal at the same time which will create a surge of electrical activity and cause involuntary movements, sensations, emotions and/or behaviors. Experiencing one or two seizures is not a guarantee of epilepsy but could indicate something is going wrong. It is encouraged to tell a doctor when and what type of seizure occurred.
How likely is it to have epilepsy?
Epilepsy affects all genders, races, ethnic backgrounds and ages. Sometimes, it can be linked to genetics, developmental brain abnormalities. Traumatic brain injury, a stroke or other brain related injuries. According to the Epilepsy Foundation, about 1 in 26 people in the United States will develop epilepsy in their life. Everyone has a risk to experience a seizure, and people with epilepsy are more likely to experience them. However, not everyone who has a seizure has epilepsy.
What happens during a seizure?
People can experience warning signs that a seizure will occur days or hours before hand. This is often referred to as the Aura or the focal onset aware seizures. During this phase common symptoms include:
Visual loss/blurring
Fear/panic
Dizziness
Nausea
Numbness/tingling in part of the body
The ictal phase occurs from the time of the first symptom to the end of the seizure activity. Symptoms during a seizure include the following.
Loss of awareness (often called a ‘black out’)
Forgetfulness/ memory loss
Unusual smells and tastes
Loss of vision
Visual hallucinations
Numbness, tingling or electric shock
Difficulty talking
Unable to swallow
Abnormal eye movements including repeated blinking, eyes moving to one side or upwards, or staring
Unable to move muscles resulting in slumping or falling
Tremors, twitching and jerking movements
Automatisms (repeated non-purposeful movements involving the face, arms or legs)
What happens once a seizure finishes?
The recovery time after a seizure varies from person and seizure type. Depending on where in the brain the seizure occurs is how long it takes to recover. Some people can recover immediately while other times it may take hours to feel better. Its common to feel dazed, confused and anxious about the seizure. Sometimes, bruising and injuries can appear.
What should you do if someone has a seizure?
Like any emergency, it’s important to stay calm and access the situation. If the person is unable to communicate, experiences numbness, is twitching or showing signs of repeated non-purposeful movements they are likely having a seizure. Your first step is to ensure they are safe. Keep in mind these steps.
Turn them on their side if they are lying down.
Do NOT hold them down, allow them to move.
Remove any harmful objects.
Call 9-1-1. If a seizure lasts five minutes or longer it is considered a medical emergency.
Keep onlookers away.
Do NOT put anything in their mouth.
Stay with them and keep them comfortable until the seizure is over.
How can I stay safe if I am prone to seizures?
There are many ways an accident can occur during a seizure. Common injuries include bruises, cuts, burns and falls. If you feel a seizure coming on, find a safe area to sit. Drowning can be a serious risk, even in a tub with only a few inches of water. Because of this, it is recommended that those with epilepsy take showers instead of baths. Be careful when walking near a busy street or onto train/subway platforms. If a fear or concern develops, talk about it with your doctor to determine the best way to stay safe. Having an established plan can help those around you take action when a seizure occurs.
Alan J. Schmitt, MD is a neurologist at IU Health Ball – Muncie. Learn more at iuhealth.org/find-medical-services/epilepsy-seizures.
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Seizures and epilepsy: Here’s what you need to know
