Epilepsy LHSC

Epilepsy

What is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a seizure disorder resulting from sudden bursts of electrical energy in the brain. These electrical discharges produce seizures which vary from one person to another in frequency and form.
The word epilepsy comes from the Greek and Late Latin epilepsia and the Middle French epilepsie. All of the words, meaning "seizure", originally come from the Greek word epilambanien - "to take hold of ". (epi - upon + lambanien - to take).

: WEBSTER'S UNABRIDGED DICTIONARY:
epilepsy - (noun) any of various disorders marked by disturbed electrical rhythms of the central nervous system and typically manifested by convulsive attacks usually with clouding of consciousness.

Epilepsy is

is NOT a disease
is NOT a psychological disorder
is NOT contagious
has NO effect whatsoever on people's intelligence, creativity or abilities.

Causes of Epilepsy

In approximately 75% of all cases, there is NO known cause. Of the other 25% of cases, there are a number of frequently identified causes

Identifiable Causes

brain injury to the fetus during pregnancy
birth trauma, such as lack of oxygen
poisoning from substance abuse or environmental contaminants, e.g., lead poisoning
aftermath of infection, e.g., meningitis
head trauma, e.g., car accident
alteration in blood sugar, e.g. hypoglycemia
brain tumor and stroke

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Types of Seizures

There are many different kinds of seizures. Two main types of seizures are "partial" and "generalized".

Complex Partial Seizures

[ cpsx ] [ sgensx ]

If the excessive electrical discharge in the brain is limited to one area, the seizure is partial. Partial seizures take two different forms: simple partial and complex partial. In a simple partial seizure, the person can experience a range of strange or unusual sensations, e.g., sudden jerky movement of one body part, distortions in sight or smell, sudden sense of fear, stomach discomfort, dizziness. These sensations are also known as an "aura". An aura is a simple partial seizure and can occur alone, or can be followed by a generalized seizure.

The person loses awareness as partial seizures the seizure begins and appears dazed and confused. The person will exhibit meaningless behaviours such as random walking, mumbling, head turning, or pulling at clothing. These behaviours cannot be recalled by the patient after the seizure.

Generalized Seizures

Generalized seizures affect the whole body and take two forms: Generalized absence and tonic-clonic.

[ gensx ] [ abssx ]

Generealised Absence Seizures; During a generalized absence seizure, the person appears to be staring into space and their eyes may roll upwards. This kind of seizure is characterized by 5 to 15 second lapses of consciousness and when it has ended, the person will not recall this lapse of consciousness. Generalized absence seizures most often occur in childhood and disappear by adolescence. They are less prevalent in adulthood.

Tonic-Clonic Seizures (Grand Mal); In a tonic-clonic seizure, the person will usually en-tit a short cry, and fall to the floor. Their muscles will stiffen and their body extremities will jerk and twitch. With this type of seizure bladder control may be lost and consciousness is regained slowly.

Postictal states

Postictal states commonly follow both tonic-clonic and complex partial seizures. As a person regains consciousness after the seizure, they experience fatigue, confusion and disorientation lasting from five minutes, up to hours or even days and, rarely, as long as one to two weeks. The person may fall asleep or gradually become less confused until full consciousness is regained.

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Epilepsy Treatment

Drug Therapy

Most seizure disorders are controlled by various types of anti-convulsant drugs. Monotherapy (using one drug) or polytherapy (using a combination of drugs) may be prescribed by the doctor. Different types of seizures require different types of drugs. Many drugs, however, may produce numerous and unwanted side effects. Refer to the list of Anti-epileptic drugs provided by Epilepsy International.

Surgery

Surgery is used only when all other medical avenues have been pursued, and when the injured brain tissue causing the seizures can be identified and safely removed without damaging psychological or major body functions. This applies to only a small percentage of people. Different types of operations may be performed. In general, they fall into two main groups:

removal of the area of the brain that is producing the seizures
interruption of nerve pathways along which seizure impulses spread.

First Aid Treatment for Seizures

Type of Seizure	Treatment
Tonic-Clonic	if necessary, ease the person to the floor loosen any tight neck wear protect the person's head and body from injury do not restrain the person turn the person on their left side to ensure an open air passage and decrease risk of aspiration do not insert anything between the teeth if the person starts to bleed from the mouth, do not panic. They have probably bitten the tongue and are not bleeding internally. after the seizure, let the person sleep if they wish and suggest that they see a physician if the person has a second tonic-clonic seizure within a few minutes, call a doctor or ambulance.
Simple Partial	no first aid is required. Reassure person.
Absence	no first aid is required. Reassure person.
Complex Partial	do not restrain the person protect the person from injury by moving sharp objects away if wandering occurs, stay with the person and talk quietly.
Additional Comments Do not be frightened if the person appears to stop breathing for a few seconds. This is to be expected. If the person is a child, the parents or guardian should be notified that a seizure has occurred. Check for Medical Alert Identification.

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