Epilepsy
The brain is a complex organ. It is made up of billions of nerve cells, each with a precise role to play in the functioning of the brain. Some of those functions include: controlling movements (voluntary and involuntary), sensations, emotions, memory and thought. These cells communicate with each other through electrical signals. Seizure occurs when there is a problem with these signals. Epilepsy is a neurological condition that can occur at any age.
Causes
In most cases, there is no identifiable cause for the onset of seizures. We do know, however, that certain factors can trigger epileptic seizures, including:
- Head trauma
- Severe brain infection (e.g. meningitis)
- Stroke
- Substance abuse
- Brain tumour
- Genetic disease
- Problems with foetal brain development during pregnancy
Symptoms
Epilepsy seizures are classified into different types depending on where in the brain they begin.
Focal seizure
- The seizure starts in just one part of the brain.
- The person may remain aware or lose consciousness.
- They may show motor symptoms like spasms, or non-motor symptoms such as changes in sensations (visual, smell, sound, stomach feelings, fear, etc.).
- A focal seizure can spread to the rest of the brain and become generalized.
Generalized seizure
- The entire brain is involved from the beginning of the seizure.
- The person loses consciousness.
- This type of seizure can include motor symptoms or non-motor symptoms such as a blank stare (also called an absence seizure).
Some persons with epilepsy experience auras or warnings that alert them to an impending seizure. This warning is, in itself, a focal aware seizure.
Treatment
Sometimes the cause of epilepsy can be treated, for example, by treating a brain infection or through surgery. Otherwise, the goal of treatment is to reduce the number of seizures.
Certain medications, known as anticonvulsants, can allow people with epilepsy to lead active lives. Finding the right medication and the ideal dose may take some time. The aim is to find the dose that controls seizures without causing too many side effects. It is important to note the frequency of seizures, what symptoms occur and when they happen. Never stop taking your medication suddenly.
There are also general steps you can take to help prevent seizures. Here are some helpful tips:
- Avoid getting too little sleep
- Avoid using drugs and alcohol
- Take your medications exactly as prescribed
- Talk to your health care provider before planning a pregnancy
- Ask your pharmacist before taking or stopping any over-the-counter products (like cold medicines or natural health products)
It is also important to be careful when choosing activities. For example, taking showers is safer than baths in case of a seizure to reduce the risk of drowning. You should also speak with your health care provider before doing activities that involve height or high speed.
First Aid
The most important thing during a seizure is to wait for it to end and keep the person safe. Here are some tips:
- Stay calm and reassure bystanders
- Check the time - if the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, call an ambulance
- If the person seems aware:
- Speak to them calmly and reassure them
- If the seizure involves convulsions:
- Move any dangerous objects away from the person
- Do not put anything in their mouth
- Do not hold them down or move them unless they are in danger
- Gently roll the unconscious person onto their side to clear the airway
- Place something soft under their head to protect it
Talk to the person gently as they regain consciousness. After a seizure, people with epilepsy may need a period of rest.
Call an ambulance in the following situations:
- The seizure lasts 5 minutes or longer
- Seizures repeat without the person regaining consciousness
- The person is diabetic or pregnant
- The seizure happened in water