SeizuresSeizures

By: Holly ChristensenBy: Holly Christensen

3A/4A MAP3A/4A MAP

What Are Seizures?What Are Seizures?

Seizures are symptoms of a brain problemSeizures are symptoms of a brain problem

Episodes of disturbed brain function that Episodes of disturbed brain function that cause changes in attention or behaviorcause changes in attention or behavior

What Seizures Are Caused ByWhat Seizures Are Caused By

Sometimes a seizure is Sometimes a seizure is related to a temporary related to a temporary conditioncondition Using drugs Using drugs High fever High fever Unusual levels of Unusual levels of

Sodium or glucose in the Sodium or glucose in the bloodblood

-etc.-etc.

Sometimes seizures Sometimes seizures can occur because of can occur because of a permanent injury to a permanent injury to the brain tissue. This the brain tissue. This causes the brain to be causes the brain to be abnormally excitable.abnormally excitable. Epilepsy Epilepsy

•Seizures are caused by abnormal excited electrical signals in the brain.

EpilepsyEpilepsy

Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes repeating and random seizures of any type. repeating and random seizures of any type.

In some cases epilepsy is idiopathic (cause In some cases epilepsy is idiopathic (cause cannot be identified). cannot be identified). These seizures usually occur between the ages of 5 These seizures usually occur between the ages of 5

and 20 years old, but can also happen at any age.and 20 years old, but can also happen at any age. People with this form of epilepsy do not have any People with this form of epilepsy do not have any

neurological problems but epilepsy and/or seizures neurological problems but epilepsy and/or seizures run in their family.run in their family.

Common Causes of EpilepsyCommon Causes of Epilepsy

Stroke (TIA)Stroke (TIA) Illnesses that cause brain Illnesses that cause brain

to weakento weaken Traumatic brain InjuryTraumatic brain Injury Problems presented Problems presented

before birthbefore birth Injuries near the time of Injuries near the time of

birthbirth Tumors or other structural Tumors or other structural

brain lesionsbrain lesions

Dementia (Alzheimer’s Dementia (Alzheimer’s Disease)Disease)

Kidney/ Liver FailureKidney/ Liver Failure InfectionsInfections

Brain abscessBrain abscess Meningitis Meningitis Encephalitis Encephalitis NeurosyphilisNeurosyphilis AIDSAIDS

Seizure SymptomsSeizure Symptoms

Severity of seizures can vary Severity of seizures can vary It depends on the part of the brain that is It depends on the part of the brain that is

being effected and the original cause of being effected and the original cause of the seizure. the seizure.

Seizures can be from small staring spells Seizures can be from small staring spells to loss of consciousness and violent to loss of consciousness and violent convulsions (shaking). It just depends.convulsions (shaking). It just depends.

TestsTests

If you have a seizure a physical If you have a seizure a physical examination may be normal or it may examination may be normal or it may show abnormal brain functionshow abnormal brain function

An Electroencephalograph (EEG) will be An Electroencephalograph (EEG) will be taken to look at the abnormal electrical taken to look at the abnormal electrical activity going on in the brain.activity going on in the brain.Sometimes it will show the exact location Sometimes it will show the exact location

where the seizure startedwhere the seizure started

Tests Continued…Tests Continued…

Many other test can be taken to look for Many other test can be taken to look for temporary causes such as:temporary causes such as:Blood chemistry Blood chemistry Blood sugarBlood sugarCBCCBCCSFCSFKidney/Liver function testsKidney/Liver function testsHead CT or MRIHead CT or MRILumbar PunctureLumbar Puncture

TreatmentTreatment

Treatment may vary on the type of seizure and Treatment may vary on the type of seizure and what the tests showedwhat the tests showed Surgically removing a tumor or an abnormal or Surgically removing a tumor or an abnormal or

bleeding blood vesselbleeding blood vessel Medications: Anticonvulsants-may reduce the number Medications: Anticonvulsants-may reduce the number

of seizures in the future (taken by mouth)of seizures in the future (taken by mouth) Type of medications depend on the seizures you are havingType of medications depend on the seizures you are having Some medications do not respond well to seizures and can Some medications do not respond well to seizures and can

worsen the seizuresworsen the seizures Its very important you take medications on time and the right Its very important you take medications on time and the right

amountamount Never stop taking medications without taking to a doctor first.Never stop taking medications without taking to a doctor first.

PrognosisPrognosis

Some people with certain types of seizures may Some people with certain types of seizures may be able to reduce or completely stop their be able to reduce or completely stop their seizures with medication after several yearsseizures with medication after several years

Some people seizures may be a lifelong Some people seizures may be a lifelong condition and they will have to take drugs their condition and they will have to take drugs their whole life.whole life.

Death is not typical with seizures but can Death is not typical with seizures but can happen- lack of breathing which causes the happen- lack of breathing which causes the brain tissue to die. Sometimes there is a sudden brain tissue to die. Sometimes there is a sudden cause of death in patients with seizures.cause of death in patients with seizures.

PreventionPrevention

There is not a way to prevent seizureThere is not a way to prevent seizureThe best outlook is to take care of our The best outlook is to take care of our

body by eating properly, getting plenty of body by eating properly, getting plenty of sleep, and staying away from illegal drugs sleep, and staying away from illegal drugs and alcohol.and alcohol.

SourcesSources

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/seizurhttp://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/seizures.htmles.html

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealthhttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001714//PMH0001714/