WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
A seizure, also called a convulsion or a fit, is a sudden
attack of brain activity that causes a loss of control over
movement. The attacks last anywhere from a few seconds to
several minutes. People of any age can be
affected.
Causes
The most common type of seizure
is idiopathic (ID-ee-o-PATH-ik) epilepsy, a form of epilepsy
whose cause is not known. This brain disease causes recurrent
attacks. Seizures can also be caused by head injury, withdrawal
from alcohol or other drugs, a high fever, a brain tumor, or an
infection. Sometimes, no cause can be found.
Signs/Symptoms
People with epilepsy often know
when they are about to have a seizure. When the seizure starts,
the victim may lose consciousness. The face, arms, and legs may
begin to jerk. Victims may lose control of their bladder and
bowels or vomit without knowing it. After the episode, the
victim may feel irritable, confused, or sleepy.
Care
The doctor can prescribe medicine
to prevent further convulsions.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
-
Instructions for the seizure
patient:
-
If your doctor prescribes medicine to prevent
seizures, take it exactly as directed. Do not stop taking
the medicine without talking to your doctor
first.
-
Avoid activities in which a seizure would cause
danger to yourself or to others. Do not operate dangerous
machinery, swim alone, use ladders, or climb in high or
dangerous places such as roofs or girders. Do not drive
until your doctor says it's okay.
-
Wear an emergency medical identification bracelet
with information about your condition. If you have a
seizure, people around you will be able to tell what's
wrong and get appropriate help.
-
If you have any warning that you may have a
seizure, lie down in a safe place where you can't hurt
yourself.
-
Teach your family and close friends what to do if
you have a seizure.
-
Instructions for others if a seizure
occurs:
-
Stay calm. To keep the person from falling onto
hard or sharp objects, move these potential hazards out
of the way.
-
Don't force anything into the person's mouth or try
to open clenched jaws. Turn the person on his or her side
when the violent movement stops or the victim begins
vomiting.
-
When the seizure is over, the person may be
confused or drowsy and may need reassurance that
everything is all right. Help him or her to rest and
relax.
Call The Doctor If...
-
You have any problems that may be related to the
medicine you are taking.
-
You are caring for someone who has had a seizure and he
or she:
-
Does not wake shortly after the
seizure.
-
Has new problems (such as difficulty seeing,
speaking, or moving).
Seek Care Immediately If...
-
You are caring for someone who has had a seizure and he
or she:
-
Is injured during the seizure.
-
Develops a high temperature.
-
Vomits and breathes the vomit into the
windpipe.
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