Seizure Disorders and Epilepsy

What are seizures?

Seizures are abnormal movements or sensations that occurs as a result of excessive activities of some parts of the brain. The manifestation depends on the part of the brain affected, for example if the area affected is responsible for movement, abnormal movements like jerking may be observed. In severe cases, it leads to loss of consciousness.

When seizures occur repeatedly over several days, it is called epilepsy.  Occasionally, a doctor may make a diagnosis of epilepsy after a single seizure.

What causes seizures?

Seizures are caused by several factors that cause damage to some parts of the brain like trauma, infections, seizures, tumors, birth injury and jaundice. Some drugs like tramadol and some antibiotics may also precipitate a seizure.

Sometimes the tendency to have repeated seizures is inherited from parents just like heights and other traits could be inherited.   

In many instances, it might be impossible to identify the cause of a seizure, therefore the cause of epilepsy is unknown. Majority of people with epilepsy fall into this group.

The doctor will usually ask some questions, examine the patient and carry out some tests to identify the cause of seizures.

Are seizures contagious?

Seizures are not contagious, touching a person with seizures or their saliva does not cause seizures.

What to do if you witness a person having a seizure?

·         Remove the person from dangerous areas.

·         Do not hold the patient down, you may however clear the area around the patient and guide the patient away from dangerous areas and objects.

·         Do not put a spoon into the mouth – This is not going to stop the seizures, most times it causes injury. Some people have lost a tooth or more as a result of this.

·         Do not pour water on the patient – Again, this is not going to stop the seizures or wake the patient up. Most seizures will stop within three minutes of onset. If seizure duration becomes prolonged please move the patient to the nearest hospital as soon as possible. 

·         Do not burn the hands or feet to stop seizures wake the patient –This is not necessary and will cause injury to the patient. 

     

·         Take the patient to the hospital as soon as possible . Let the patient lie on the side when the jerking stops.