|
|
Convulsions, fits,
seizures, and spells
|
|
-
The brain
transmits and stores information somewhat like electrical
circuitry. When abnormal electrical activity or a "short
circuit" occurs in the brain "wiring," a seizure occurs.
This abnormal electrical brain activity is transmitted to
the rest of the body as incorrect signals -- resulting in
abnormal muscle activity (convulsion), fainting, breathing
abnormalities, etc. Specific symptoms usually correlate to
the part of the brain where the abnormal electrical activity
initiated.
|
|
- Simple partial Seizures --
jerking localized on one side of the body, light flashing,
or hallucinations
- Complex partial Seizures --
same symptoms as simple partial Seizures, but with
impaired consciousness (i.e., fainting or confusion)
- Absence (Petit Mal) Seizures --
brief episodes (a few seconds) of loss of attention and
loss of consciousness (sometimes with fainting). The
individual appears to "space out" for a few seconds.
- Myoclonic Seizures --
muscle jerking
- Tonic-clonic (Grand Mal) --
sudden loss of consciousness, body rigidity, falling to
the ground, diffuse muscle jerking. Lip/tongue biting and
urinary/fecal incontinence may occur. Sleep usually
follows a Grand Mal seizure.
- Status epilepticus -- continuous grand mal Seizures, one after
another
|
|
- Idiopathic (Unknown)
- Birth injuries
- Metabolic Disorders
- Head trauma
- Brain Tumors
- Strokes
- Alzheimer's disease
- Encephalitis
- Eclampsia
- Heat stroke
- Drugs abuse or withdrawal
- Stimuli such as flashes of light or
sound
- Meningitis
- Fevers
- Certain medications
- Alcohol ingestion
- Alcohol withdrawal
- Low Blood Sugar
|
|
- CT scan or MRI to look for brain
abnormalities
- Electroencephalogram (EEG) -- a
brain electrical study
- Video monitoring of the patient
combined with EEG in some cases
- Blood tests:
- Sodium, Calcium, Magnesium levels
- Glucose level
- Kidney and liver function
- Complete blood count
- Syphilis blood test
(RPR)
|
|
- Depends on type of seizure. Common medications include Dilantin, Phenobarbital, and
Valproic acid.
- Surgical treatment (removal of
brain focus) if all medications fail
- Status epilepticus is a life threatening emergency -- treatment usually involves airway protection, glucose injection, Diazepam or lorazepam intravenously, and Dilantin
intravenously.
|
|
- Individuals with Seizures should not drive or operate dangerous equipment unless Seizures are properly controlled. This should be determined by a neurologist. Only a physician (usually a neurologist) can determine when and if a person should discontinue seizure medications.
|
| | |
If you want your friend to read or know about this article, Click here
|
|
|