Epilepsy
Overview
Experiencing a first seizure is a situation that requires prompt attention either from your doctor or by visiting the hospital's emergency department. If someone already diagnosed with a seizure disorder notices a change in their seizure patterns or an increase in frequency, it is advisable to seek medical advice.
Not every person with a seizure requires a visit to the emergency department. However, there are cases where immediate attention is crucial:
- A seizure that lasts for more than 5 minutes (call 911)
- Difficulty in breathing (call 911)
- Persistent confusion or loss of consciousness (call 911)
- Injuries sustained during a seizure
- A first seizure
Managing at Home
Home care for epilepsy varies based on the frequency and type of seizures. Consistent use of prescribed anticonvulsant medication is crucial in preventing seizures.
When a seizure occurs, an observer can take some common-sense steps to prevent injuries.
- Cushion the person's head.
- Loosen any tight neckwear.
- Turn the person on their side.
- Do not hold the person down or restrain them.
- Do not put anything in their mouth or attempt to separate their teeth. There is no danger of swallowing the tongue.
- Observe the characteristics of the seizure—length, type of movements, direction of head or eye turning. These characteristics may assist the doctor in diagnosing the type of seizure.
Follow-up Care
The follow-up care needed varies greatly depending on the identified cause of seizures and their frequency.
- For individuals with infrequent seizures who are on consistent medications, one or two follow-up visits per year may suffice.
- If the seizures are challenging to control or if new medications are being introduced, weekly visits are not uncommon.
If the occurrence of seizures is linked to another medical condition, identifying and treating that condition is the key to prevention. Adherence to prescribed anticonvulsant medication schedule is crucial.
Some individuals with epilepsy may be particularly sensitive to alcohol. If this pattern emerges, it's advisable to avoid alcohol. Others may experience seizures only after ceasing heavy alcohol consumption. The key to prevention in these cases is abstaining from alcohol.
It's worth noting that sleep deprivation and stress can potentially increase the frequency of seizures in some people with epilepsy.
Prognosis
- Epilepsy is a term used to describe the condition of recurrent seizures. The outlook for the seizures disorder is closely tied to the underlying cause, if one is identified.
- For individuals with symptomatic epilepsy—meaning seizures occur due to existing medical conditions—prognosis will depend on the specifics of the other medical condition.
- Seizures triggered by low blood sugar, for instance, can often be prevented through careful management and avoidance of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
- Seizures associated with progressive medical conditions such as certain brain tumors or metabolic conditions may be challenging to control and may have a less favorable outcome.