•A common neurological condition affecting around 1-2% of the population.
•More likely to be diagnosed in childhood or senior years
•However, not specified to any one age group, sex or race.
•70% of people diagnosed become seizure free taking medication.
•Important for family, friends and carers of epileptic people to understand different aspects of epilepsy to better improve their chances of gaining control over seizures when they do occur.
•Including medication and a sensible lifestyle, a full, active life is possible.
•Epilepsy is a disruption of the normal electrochemical activity of the brain that results in seizures. •Under different, certain situations and different circumstances, anyone can have a seizure. •Epilepsy is diagnosed when there is a tendency to have re-occurring seizures.
What is Epilepsy?
SEIZURES
There are approximately 40 different types of seizures however, they can be divided into two major groups;
•Partial seizures
•Generalised seizures
SECONDARILY GENERALISED TONIC-CLONIC- when a seizure starts as a partial seizure but then progresses to a generalised seizure (almost always a tonic-clonic seizure)
•About 60% of people with epilepsy have partial seizures (also known as focal seizures)
•Can often be subtle or unusual.
•May go unnoticed or mistaken for things such as intoxication or daydreaming •Activity of the seizure starts in one area of the brain and can spread to other regions of the brain.
•The types of partial seizures include;
SIMPLE PARTIAL where there is no loss of awareness
COMPLEX PARTIAL where there is a change in awareness and behavior)
•Many types of generalised seizures;
•Result of the abnormal activity in the entire brain at the same time.
•Due to this, a loss of consciousness happens as a consequence.
•Absence
•Myoclonic •Tonic
•Atonic
•Generalised Tonic-Clonic
Recognition of Generalised tonic
clonic seizure (most common)
• Casualty may collapse • Muscle spasm of the body• Possible incontinence of urine• Blueness of the face• Frothing from the mouth
If necessary, conduct a secondary survey to observe other injuries that may have occurred due to the seizure
Protect the casualty from any external dangers
Do not restrain the victim
Do not place any objects in victims mouth
When the seizure stops, conduct a Primary Survey
The seizure lasts more than 5 minutes
The does not become responsive between seizures
There is no history of seizures or epilepsy
Pregnancy or other medical aspects are involved
Significant injuries are caused by the seizure
Seizure occurs in waterThe recovery appears to be slow
Primary SurveySupport the head Recovery Position
Danger to self, bystanders, casualty
Response -Shout “Are you okay?” Squeeze the casualty’s shoulders
Airways- Check for blockages and clear. Check for signs of life
Breathing- No breathing, commence CPR
Breathing- Place in recovery position
Compression- No signs of life, commence CPR
Defibrillation- Early Defibrillation, as soon as possible
Secondary Survey
• HISTORY- full story of incident, illness or injury
• SYMPTOMS- sensations the casualty feels and are not necessarily visually evident
• SIGNS- information about the incident or injury we can gather without asking questions
DO Remain calmStay with personTime seizureProtect from injuryRoll into recovery position after jerking stops OR immediately if vomitedMaintain privacy and dignityObserve and reassure until recovered
DO NOTPut anything in their mouthRestrain the personMove person unless in danger
By Samantha SpackmanBibliography
• Epilepsy Action Australia (no date) All About Epilepsy and Seizures http://www.epilepsy.org.au/index.asp
Date retrieved 1.9.2008
The Epicentre (no date) What causes Epilepsy?
http://137.172.248.46/epilepsy.htm
Date retrieved 1.9.2008
Lippmann.J & Natoli.D First Aid (Published J.L Publications 2006)
First Aid : 2 Unit Personal Health Development and Physical Education (AP Publishing ; 2003)