12.2 Seizure types, first aid, and safety measures
3 min read•august 7, 2024
Seizures can be scary, but knowing how to help is crucial. We'll look at different types of seizures, from tonic-clonic to absence seizures, and learn how to spot them. Understanding seizure emergencies and what happens after a seizure is key to providing proper care.
Managing seizures is about more than just first aid. We'll explore epilepsy, , and . This knowledge helps us create safer environments for those with seizure disorders and respond effectively when seizures occur.
Types of Seizures
Generalized and Focal Seizures
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- Generalized seizures involve both sides of the brain and cause loss of consciousness
- Include tonic-clonic seizures (formerly known as grand mal seizures) which involve muscle rigidity (tonic phase) followed by muscle contractions (clonic phase)
- Also include absence seizures (formerly known as petit mal seizures) which involve brief lapses in consciousness without muscle activity (staring spells)
- Focal seizures (formerly known as partial seizures) begin in one area of the brain and may or may not cause loss of consciousness
- Simple focal seizures do not cause loss of consciousness but can cause sensory, motor, or psychic symptoms (auras)
- Complex focal seizures cause loss of consciousness and may involve repetitive movements (automatisms) such as lip smacking or hand wringing
Tonic-Clonic and Absence Seizures
- Tonic-clonic seizures are the most common type of generalized seizure
- Tonic phase involves muscle rigidity and may cause the person to fall to the ground
- Clonic phase involves rhythmic muscle contractions and may cause the person to bite their tongue or lose bladder control
- Typically last 1-3 minutes but may be longer in some cases
- Absence seizures most commonly occur in children and are characterized by brief lapses in consciousness
- May involve staring, eye blinking, or slight muscle twitching
- Typically last less than 10 seconds but may occur frequently throughout the day
- Can be mistaken for daydreaming or inattentiveness
Seizure Emergencies
Status Epilepticus
- is a life-threatening condition characterized by a seizure lasting longer than 5 minutes or multiple seizures without regaining consciousness in between
- Can cause brain damage or death if not treated promptly
- Treatment involves administering anticonvulsant medications (benzodiazepines) to stop the seizure
- If seizure does not stop with initial treatment, additional medications may be needed (phenytoin, levetiracetam)
- In some cases, general anesthesia may be necessary to stop the seizure
Postictal State
- The occurs after a seizure and is characterized by confusion, drowsiness, and memory loss
- Can last minutes to hours depending on the type and severity of the seizure
- During this time, the person may be disoriented and have difficulty communicating or following commands
- It is important to stay with the person and provide reassurance until they have fully recovered
- In some cases, the person may experience (Todd's paralysis) which is temporary weakness on one side of the body
Seizure Management
Epilepsy and Seizure Precautions
- Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures
- Treatment involves taking daily anticonvulsant medications to prevent seizures
- Common medications include carbamazepine, valproic acid, and levetiracetam
- Medication adherence is important to maintain therapeutic levels and prevent breakthrough seizures
- Seizure precautions involve taking steps to prevent injury during a seizure
- Avoid activities that could be dangerous during a seizure such as swimming or climbing ladders
- Wear a medical alert bracelet or carry a card indicating that you have epilepsy
- Inform family, friends, and coworkers about your condition and how to respond if a seizure occurs
Anticonvulsant Medications
- Anticonvulsant medications work by reducing the excitability of brain cells and preventing the spread of seizure activity
- There are many different types of anticonvulsant medications, each with its own mechanism of action and side effect profile
- Some medications work by blocking sodium channels (carbamazepine, phenytoin) while others enhance the activity of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter (benzodiazepines, valproic acid)
- Side effects can include drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, and weight gain
- Medication selection is based on the type of seizure, age of the patient, and other medical conditions
- Regular follow-up with a neurologist is important to monitor medication effectiveness and adjust dosage as needed
- In some cases, surgery may be considered for patients with medication-resistant epilepsy
Key Terms to Review (20)
Absence seizure: An absence seizure is a brief, sudden lapse of consciousness that can occur multiple times a day, often characterized by a blank stare and subtle body movements like eye blinking or lip smacking. These seizures typically last only a few seconds and are often mistaken for daydreaming, making them crucial to identify for proper first aid and safety measures.
Administering rescue medication: Administering rescue medication refers to the prompt provision of specific drugs designed to alleviate acute medical conditions, particularly in emergencies such as seizures. This process is crucial for individuals with known conditions like epilepsy, as it can prevent complications and ensure safety during a seizure episode. Effective administration involves understanding the types of medications available, the correct dosages, and the appropriate techniques for delivering them quickly and safely.
Anticonvulsant medications: Anticonvulsant medications are drugs specifically designed to prevent or reduce the frequency and severity of seizures in individuals with epilepsy and other seizure disorders. These medications work by stabilizing electrical activity in the brain and can also provide additional benefits such as mood stabilization for those with certain mental health conditions. Understanding these medications is essential for managing seizure types, providing first aid during seizures, and ensuring safety measures for affected individuals.
Aura: An aura is a perceptual disturbance experienced by some individuals prior to a seizure, often serving as a warning sign of an impending seizure episode. This phenomenon can manifest as visual, auditory, or sensory changes and plays a crucial role in helping individuals prepare for a seizure, enhancing safety measures and first aid responses.
Brain injury: A brain injury refers to any damage to the brain that can result from trauma, lack of oxygen, or other medical conditions. It can lead to a range of physical and cognitive impairments, affecting a person's ability to function normally. Understanding brain injuries is essential, especially in the context of seizures, as certain types of brain injuries can increase the risk of seizure activity and influence first aid responses and safety measures.
Calling emergency services: Calling emergency services refers to the action of contacting professionals who can provide immediate assistance during a crisis, such as medical emergencies, fires, or other urgent situations. This process is crucial in ensuring that help arrives promptly, allowing for potentially life-saving interventions and proper management of emergencies. Recognizing when and how to make this call can significantly impact outcomes for individuals in distress, particularly in scenarios involving seizures.
Convulsions: Convulsions are sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain that can cause changes in behavior, movements, feelings, and levels of consciousness. They often manifest as seizures, which can vary in intensity and duration, impacting a person’s physical safety and requiring immediate first aid attention. Understanding convulsions is crucial for recognizing different seizure types, administering proper first aid, and implementing safety measures during an episode to protect the individual experiencing them.
Focal epilepsy: Focal epilepsy is a type of seizure disorder characterized by seizures that originate in a specific area of the brain. Unlike generalized seizures, which affect both hemispheres, focal seizures can cause localized symptoms depending on where in the brain they start. Understanding focal epilepsy is crucial for identifying appropriate first aid responses and safety measures during a seizure episode.
Generalized epilepsy: Generalized epilepsy is a type of epilepsy characterized by seizures that involve both hemispheres of the brain from the onset. This condition can lead to a range of seizure types, including generalized tonic-clonic seizures and absence seizures, which significantly impact the affected individual's daily life and safety. Understanding generalized epilepsy is essential for providing effective first aid and implementing appropriate safety measures to protect individuals experiencing these seizures.
Ictal phase: The ictal phase refers to the active phase of a seizure, where the individual experiences the symptoms and effects of the seizure itself. During this phase, brain activity becomes abnormal, leading to various physical and behavioral manifestations that can vary significantly based on the type of seizure. Understanding this phase is crucial for recognizing seizure types and applying appropriate first aid measures to ensure the safety of the person experiencing a seizure.
Lateral position: The lateral position is a body position where a person lies on their side, which can be either the left or right side. This position is particularly significant in first aid as it helps to maintain an open airway and prevent aspiration, especially during medical emergencies like seizures.
Postictal paralysis: Postictal paralysis refers to a temporary weakness or paralysis in one part of the body following a seizure. This condition can occur after certain types of seizures, particularly focal seizures, and typically lasts from minutes to hours. Understanding postictal paralysis is essential for recognizing and managing the aftereffects of seizures, ensuring proper care and safety measures for affected individuals.
Postictal state: The postictal state is a period of altered consciousness and cognitive function that occurs following a seizure, particularly in those with epilepsy. This state can include confusion, fatigue, and various physical symptoms as the brain recovers from the seizure activity. Understanding the postictal state is crucial for providing appropriate first aid and safety measures for individuals who have experienced seizures.
Recovery Position: The recovery position is a first aid technique used to safely position an unconscious but breathing person to keep their airway clear and prevent choking. This position is crucial as it allows fluids to drain from the mouth while ensuring that the person's airway remains unobstructed, making it vital in various emergency situations, such as during CPR, seizures, or substance abuse incidents.
Safe Environment: A safe environment refers to a space that minimizes risks and hazards, ensuring the well-being of individuals within it. In the context of health emergencies like seizures, maintaining a safe environment involves taking specific actions to prevent injuries and create supportive conditions for those affected. This includes removing potential dangers and providing appropriate care during an incident.
Seizure Action Plan: A seizure action plan is a comprehensive strategy developed to manage and respond to seizures effectively and safely. This plan outlines the specific steps to take during a seizure event, including how to assist the individual experiencing the seizure and what actions to follow afterward. It also includes information on the types of seizures a person may experience, any triggers to avoid, and how to communicate with medical personnel when necessary.
Seizure precautions: Seizure precautions are safety measures taken to protect individuals who are prone to seizures from injury during an episode. These precautions include environmental modifications and specific first aid responses designed to minimize risks and ensure safety during different types of seizures. Understanding these precautions is essential for effective first aid and promoting the well-being of individuals experiencing seizures.
Status epilepticus: Status epilepticus is a medical emergency characterized by prolonged or repeated seizures without recovery between them, typically lasting more than five minutes. This condition poses significant risks, including permanent brain damage or death, and requires immediate first aid intervention and medical attention to stabilize the patient and prevent further complications.
Substance Withdrawal: Substance withdrawal refers to the physical and mental symptoms that occur when a person abruptly reduces or stops using a substance they are dependent on. This condition can lead to various symptoms, including seizures, which can be life-threatening if not properly managed. Understanding substance withdrawal is crucial, especially in emergency situations where individuals may experience seizures as a result of withdrawal from substances like alcohol, benzodiazepines, or opioids.
Tonic-clonic seizure: A tonic-clonic seizure, also known as a grand mal seizure, is a type of generalized seizure characterized by two phases: the tonic phase, where the body becomes stiff and rigid, and the clonic phase, which involves rapid muscle contractions and jerking movements. This seizure type can pose significant safety risks, making it crucial to understand its first aid responses and safety measures.