A inside look on seizures.

By Haley Overby

WHAT’S SHAKIN’

An electric disturbance in the brain. Can cause loss of conscience or convulsions.

The condition of having recurrent seizures is called Epilepsy.

65,000,000:Number of individuals that suff er from Epilepsy.

WHAT IS A SEIZURE?

GENERALIZED SEIZURE

PARTIAL SEIZURES OTHER

These involve both sides of the brain from the start of the attack. Ex: tonic-clonic, absence, febrile, infantile.

Also known as focal; these typically begin on one side of the brain and may stay there or move to another part. There are simple and complex types within partial.

Absence, atypical absence, atonic, clonic, myoclonic, tonic, tonic-clonic, simple partial, complex partial, complex partial, secondarily generalized, febrile, non-epileptic..

TYPES OF SEIZURES

Who discovered seizures?? Seizures have been known to happen for centuries, it was

not thought of as a disease. Dr. John Hughlings Jackson was a famous neurologist in the

late 1800’s. Thought more scientifically vs religiously.

HISTORY OF SEIZURES

Dr. John Hughlings Jackson

Stroke, tumors, head injuries, electrolyte imbalance withdrawals, sleep deprivation, stress, poor nutrition, very low blood sugar, fl ashing lights, cancer, meningitis, etc.

Auras- Pre-Ictal Aura: Autonomic Cognitive Affective Automatism

1/3:Of individuals with Epilepsy either cause not known or no treatment available.

CAUSES OF SEIZURE

Blackout, strange behavior, sudden and rapid eye movement, grunting, snorting, loss of bladder or bowel control, sudden mood changes, shaking, sudden falling, tasting bitter or metallic flavor, teeth clenching, temporary stop of breathing, uncontrollable muscle spasms.

Last for few seconds or up to around 15 minutes!

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF SEIZURE

NO prime targetVariance in severity and symptoms among diff erent

populations: Men vs Women.Genetics and all ‘Signs & Symptoms’ mentioned in

previous slide play biggest role in prevalence.

WHO DOES SEIZURES PRIMARILY EFFECT?

Seizures are diffi cult to diagnose. The signs, symptoms, and severity vary significantly based on each individual.

Tests performed to diagnose: EEG CT MRI Blood Tests Spinal Tap Chromosomal Studies

HOW ARE SEIZURES AND EPILEPSY DIAGNOSED?

Diffi cult to pinpointSeizures in children and adults vary greatly. Seizures

are Fragmentary because the brain is still developing. Don’t confuse with Moro Reflex or jitters

Cause of seizures in infants: Illness Abnormal brain development Genetic disorders Meningitis

SEIZURES IN NEWBORNS & INFANTS

Can eff ect children of all ages.Can occur for a short period of time and treated with

lifestyle and medication. Can be a lifelong struggle.Medication is usually the fi rst answer, then diet.

300,000:Number of American children under the age of 14 that have Epilepsy.

EPILEPSY IN CHILDHOOD

There are both Medication and Diet approaches. Doctors will attempt medication primarily.

Goal of medication: Have little or no seizures Have little or no side effects Take lowest dosage possible Take just one medication if possible

Medications vary depending on type of seizure, side eff ects, and if child is taking other drugs.

TREATING SEIZURES & EPILEPSY: MEDICATION

Seizures and Epilepsy have been successfully treated with diet: KETOGENIC DIET

What is Ketogenic Diet?? Very strict diet: High Fat Low Carb Fast for 24 hours then start diet Parents and physicians must observe any undesirable side

effects: Constipation Dehydration

Eff ectiveness: 1/3 individuals successfully stopped their symptoms Another 1/3 saw improvement

TREATING SEIZURES & EPILEPSY: DIET

What should you do in case someone has a seizure and is experiencing convulsions: Prevent the person from falling by laying the person on the

ground in a safe area; remove furniture or sharp objects from area.

Cushion persons head. Loosen tight clothing. Turn the person on their side. Look for medical bracelet. Stay with person until they have stopped.

DO NOT: Restrain person. Place anything in their mouths. Try to move person unless area they are in is dangerous.

FIRST AID

FIRST AID

CDC.gov [key search: seizures & Epilepsy]Epilepsy.com [National Epilepsy Foundation]WebMD.comNLM.NIH.govDiscovery.yukozimo.com [for history]

BIBLIOGRAPHY