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The term seizure describes a change in awareness, behavior, movement or sensation caused by a brief, sudden alteration in the electrical signals brain cells send to each other. It is estimated that ten percent of the American population will experience a seizure during their lifetime. This will be a one-time experience for about two-thirds of these individuals. However, one third experience recurring seizures. This susceptibility to seizures, called epilepsy, affects more than 2.5 million Americans of all ages, races and ethnic backgrounds.
Epilepsy and seizures affect individuals in varying severity. A majority of individuals (around 80 percent) are able to live close to normal lives because their seizures are controlled to a significant extent.
The effects experienced during the seizure depend on what part of the brain is affected by the abnormal electrical discharge. Types of seizures include partial (in which only a specific area of the brain is involved) and generalized (affecting both sides of the brain and producing some degree of loss of consciousness as well as a change in motor function). The characteristics of seizures vary according to the type:
- Simple partial seizures - The individual may experience weakness, numbness, odd sensations (such as unusual smells, unpleasant tastes, buzzing or ringing sounds or voices that are not really there) or visual changes (distortions in the way things look). These phenomena are often referred to as "auras," and some people report that they experience an aura of some type just prior to the onset of the seizure. In addition, uncontrolled movements such as muscle twitching, turning the head to the side, limb twitching, paralysis (not being able to move or speak), emotional changes, a sudden feeling of fear, vertigo (dizziness), nausea, sudden flushing or sweating may be noted. Consciousness is maintained during the seizure.
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Complex partial seizures - This type of seizure affects a larger area of the brain than the simple partial seizure. The individual cannot control specific motor movements or speech and isn't aware of what he or she is doing. The individual may remain standing, may speak (but usually doesn't make sense) or may move about, appearing like a sleep walker. The behavior of some individuals may include repeating a word or phrase again and again, running in fear or even screaming. Afterwards this individual cannot remember what happened.
This type of seizure is often called psychomotor epilepsy or temporal lobe epilepsy because many of these seizures affect the temporal lobe on one side of the brain.
A complex partial seizure often begins with a blank stare and loss of contact with surroundings, followed by mumbling; picking at, buttoning and unbuttoning clothing; lip smacking or chewing movement; and disorganized repetitive movements. Sometimes individuals may move and walk about but are completely unaware of where they are and what they are doing.
- Generalized absence seizures - These seizures, also called Petit Mal, occur with no warning and no after-effect. The individual experiences very brief periods of unawareness and staring. These seizures are more common in children than in adults. Because these seizures last only a few seconds, they are often not identified. In fact, children who have Petit Mal or generalized absence seizures may be thought to be daydreaming since the seizure can take on the appearance of "daydreaming."
- Generalized atonic seizures - Also called drop seizures or drop attacks, these seizures result in an abrupt loss of muscle tone, head drop, slumping and sudden collapse. The seizure occurs abruptly without warning.
- Generalized tonic-clonic seizures - There are two phases involved in this type of seizure. The tonic phase results in stiffening of the limbs and possibly a decrease in or cessation of breathing. Cyanosis may occur (blue coloration of the lips, face or finger nails). The clonic phase, which usually lasts less than a minute, involves jerking movements of the limbs and face. Breathing is irregular during this phase. Individuals may experience only the tonic phase, only the clonic phase or both phases during this type of seizure. After the tonic-clonic seizure, the individual is lethargic, possibly confused and sleepy. A headache may also develop.
- Generalized myoclonic seizures - These seizures are rapidly occurring muscle contractions producing sudden, jerky movements. Usually they affect both sides of the body at the same time. However, only one limb may be involved. Sometimes these seizures result in clumsy movements.
- Status Epilepticus - Most seizures last only a few minutes. If the seizure is prolonged or repeated with frequency, it may lead to status epilepticus (a continuous or non-stop seizure). This condition can be life threatening and should be treated as an emergency, with medical assistance being sought immediately.
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During a seizure the brain produces sudden bursts of energy that disrupt brain functions. The condition can develop at any time of life but especially during early childhood (under the age of 2) and in older adults (over 65). In 70 percent of new cases, no cause is apparent. It is known that a seizure can be brought about by high fever, severe head injury, lack of oxygen to the brain, a brain tumor, a genetic condition (such as Tuberous Sclerosis, Angelman Syndrome or Lennox-Gestaut), lead poisoning, infections of the brain (such as meningitis or encephalitis), delayed development of the brain before birth or other stress factors.
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This condition is generally treated with medications that control the seizures. A special diet (used primarily in children), surgery or electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve (which leads into the brain) may also be prescribed as treatment if medications prove to be unsuccessful in stopping seizures.
At IDTC our staff are trained to recognize and appropriately respond to seizure symptoms. They are trained to observe and record seizure activity including documenting the frequency and duration of seizures. These records are reviewed by the physicians involved in the child's treatment and provide important information in making decisions about successfully managing the child's seizures. In some cases, depending on the type of seizure, protective headgear may be used for some children since sudden falls may otherwise result in head injury.
Medical management of seizures is directed by our consulting neurologist. Our residents experiencing seizures or other neurological disorders have regularly scheduled physician visits.
The staff at IDTC recognize that each child is unique with individual strengths and needs. For some children, seizures can be a frightening experience. Therefore, IDTC staff attempt to provide the child with a neutral atmosphere which includes support and reassurance. Another important aspect of working with children who have seizures is to ensure that their self-image is protected and nurtured.
Our priority is always the well being of each child. If we find that IDTC cannot offer the very best care and services for your child, we are happy to help facilitate placement in another facility.
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Feel free to contact us if you have any specific questions or would simply like more information or resources.
E-Mail (please click on the link): Catharine Crockett, Admissions
Phone: 1-317-815-0505
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Epilepsy Foundation
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
The Epilepsy Institute
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This information is provided as a general overview only and is not intended as medical advice. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problem, disease or medical condition. It is not provided as a substitute for professional care. If you have any health concerns, please consult the health care provider of your choice.
© Copyright 2005 Indiana Developmental Training Center LLC
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