What Is A Seizure

Have you ever heard the phrase "jump for joy"? Seizures are quite different though you've come to the right place. Furthermore, the spontaneous and sudden response in the body is much like that induced by a seizure. 

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A seizure is like blowing a fuse, but instead of a breaker board stopping the buildup of energy, it dissipates throughout the body. Scientifically, it is an uncontrolled and sudden burst of energy in the brain that induces adverse effects in the body. Despite common belief, these effects can be both physical and mental. Some effects include changes in movement, behaviour, feelings, and levels of consciousness.¹

Seizures are frightening, and the feelings they can induce can be unfamiliar, but through understanding them, they can be effectively managed. Approximately 1/100 people in the UK have epilepsy.² This condition becomes even more common when we consider movement disorders like tourette syndrome and other tics.³ Though seizures are more serious, effective routines can be created by educating yourself and working with your GP and physiotherapist.

Overview

Epilepsy is not a joke and should be taken seriously. They can happen to people of any age and occur in approximately 600,000 people in the UK. They’re more common for people over the age of 65, ¼.² There are more than 40 types of seizures, they can be grouped to Absence Seizures, Myoclonic seizures, Tonic and Atonic Seizures, Tonic, Clonic and Tonic-Clonic seizures.⁵ There’s a great deal of stigma around this condition, there are also negative societal impacts such as job loss and loss of autonomy that come with the emotional and physical effects.² There are support networks from individuals who suffer from this condition as well as medical professionals. Together this can be conquered, don’t be afraid to reach out.

Causes of seizures: 

Seizures can be caused by a number of things not limited to:

• Epilepsy
• Head injury
• Brain infection, tumors, medical problems (ie. stroke)
• Genetic predisposition
• Prescription medicines

Some individuals experiencing seizures can have triggers:

• Illicit drugs
• Excessive alcohol or alcohol withdrawal
• Extreme blood sugar levels
• Flashing lights
• Sleep deprivation
• Extreme stress
• High fever (febrile seizures)

Signs and symptoms of seizures

Signs of seizures can range from physical changes to emotional and psychological ones. An aura may occur before a seizure, involving odd smells, feelings of deja-vu, tingling, vision disturbances, fear, or joy. During an episode, symptoms depend on the type of seizure. They can include loss of consciousness, unresponsiveness, confusion, numbness, excess saliva, increased heart rate, hallucinations, impaired thinking, and motor symptoms such as stiffening, jerking, or repetitive movements. They typically last less than 2-3 minutes and often stop independently.⁶ Febrile seizures in children are usually harmless and can last a few minutes or up to an hour.⁸

Management and treatment for seizure

The treatment of seizures begins here. Not only for those who suffer from this condition, but also for those who may not understand the impact on someone's life living with this condition. It is a severe matter that can change a person's life entirely, as well as their routine depending on the efficacy of their management routine and the severity of their condition.

If you see someone having a seizure, first ask for help from a trained individual. Otherwise, if a person is convulsing, ensure padding is under their head. Remove all sharp objects from their vicinity. Contrary to common belief, they won't choke on their tongue, so do not put anything in their mouth, but ensure no fluids or obstructions.⁶

For those who suffer from seizures, management options include:⁷

• Medicines:anti-epileptic drugs (ie.CBD)
• Brain surgery: removal of a small part of the brain causing the seizures
• Electrical implant procedure to help control seizures
• Dietary changes (ketogenic diet) 
• Avoiding seizure triggers

FAQs

How is seizure diagnosed?

There are various seizure identifiers, such as fainting, severe head pain, and panic attacks. Often it cannot be deduced till an epileptic episode occurs. For a seizure, you can visit a specialist and describe the occurrence for better feedback. 

Other options involve brain scans such as EEG or MRI to identify unusual developments such as growths, damage, or scar tissue.

How can I prevent seizures?

This condition can arise from a multiplicity of factors, from genetic predisposition, both physical and mental, to developments later on in life, early age and old. The prevention of seizures follows along the same lines as the management and treatment of them. There are medicines available that have been showing to reduce and control the occurrence of seizures in 7/10 people of all ages. [9] Dietary regimens can work in conjunction with these medications. There are surgical measures that can be taken to better the outcomes of epileptic episodes, those which may have more harmful effects. Avoiding seizure triggers, such as rapid flashes of light can also reduce epileptic episodes. Ultimately, discovering and recognizing your triggers to not induce further occurrences.

Who is at risk of seizures?

People of all ages can be at risk of seizures though it's more common in people above the age of 65.

How common are seizures?

Seizures are common for people of all ages and are approximately 1/100 people in the UK. They're more common for people over 65, about 1/67. They also occur in 1/220 children and young adults under 18 years old.²

When should I see a doctor? 

• Seizures lasting more than 5 minutes 
• Unresponsiveness for more than 5 minutes following a seizure
• Multiple seizures in series (2+) 
• Injuries to the head
• Diabetic or pregnancy

Summary

Seizures are a serious condition, but with proper education, efficient management tools, and support networks, this can be overcome.