• +91-98780-21338
  • 0172-4044242
  • trehan.rajeev@rediffmail.com

Epilepsy (Seizure)

Epilepsy (also called a seizure disorder) is a disorder of the brain but there is no need to have any fear or stigma about it.

Symptoms of seizure
  • -Numbness of limbs & side of body.
  • -Jerking or stiffness of the muscles on one side of the body.
  • -Repetitive jerking movement of entire body.
  • -Brief loss of consciousness.
  • -Confusion after gaining consciousness.
  • -Tongue bite or froth in mouth.
  • -Unpleasent sensation in stomach, chest or in head.
  • -Sweating.

What to do when someone has a seizure attack?

Medication
  • -Make sure to take the medications on time
  • -keep follow-up appointments
  • -Do not change the dose or discontinue seizure medicine on your own
  • -Ask your doctor whether any over-the-counter medicines may interfere with the epilepsy drug you are taking
  • -Find out what should be done if you miss a dose of medication.
  • Call an ambulance if:
    • - The Seizure continues for more than five minutes.
    • - Another seizure starts right after the first one ends
    • - The person has trouble breathing
    • - There is an abvious injury

Seizure Disorder: What you should know

What is a Seizure?

A seizure happens when nerve signals in the brain are not working right.

What causes seizures?

A seizure can happen for many reasons. You may have a seizure if you:

  • -Hurt your head
  • -Had a brain injury at birth
  • -Have a brain infection or a tumor
  • -Have been abusing drugs
  • -Suddenly stop using a substance you are addicted to, like alcohol or drugs
  • -Your blood sugar is too low
How are seizures treated?
  • -The right treatment for seizures depends on what causes them
  • -Treatment for seizure is different for each person
  • -If you have more than one seizure you may need anti-seizure medicines
  • -You may need to try different medicines before health care staff finds a treatment that work well
  • -Your primary care provider may need to make many change to your medication to control your seizures

Can people die from having a seizure disorder?

Most people who have seizures live a full life span. However , there are some things about living with seizure disorder that can increase the risk of early death which include:

  • Accidents such as drowning, burning, choking, or falling during a seizure
  • People with a seizure disorder may have more risk for depresion and suicide
  • Very long seizures or many seizures that happen one after another(called status epilepticus), can be life-threatening
  • Very rarely, people with a seizures disorder may die suddenly, without explanation

Good seizure control and use of safety measures can reduce the risk of seizure related death

How Can I Take care of Myself?
  • -Take your prescribed medication regularly, the way your doctor has prescribed
  • - Do not start taking any other medications, including over-the-counter and herbal supplements, without checking with your doctor first.
  • Keep a record of seizures as they occur
  • Stay away from alcohol, illegal drugs, and medications not prescribed for you
  • See your doctor regularly as scheduled
At your housing area, work or school:
  • -Tell your "cellie", friends, boss, or teacher(s) at school that you may have a seizure
  • Let them know what to do if one happens

What other people should do if you have a Seizure

  • -Help you lie down on a bed or the floor
  • -Loosen the clothes around your neck and take off eyeglasses
  • -Check to make sure you are breathing
  • -Turn you on your side if you start to throw up
  • -Move you only if needed to keep you from getting hurt(for example, by hitting furniture)
For women: what if Iam pregnant
  • Some anti-seizure medicine can affect the health of your baby. You should tell your doctor right away if you are pregnant.
  • Anti-seizure medicines can lessen the effect of some birth control method
  • If you are of child-bearing age, you should talk to your doctor about your plans for pregnancy