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
