Question

What will you do when caring for a person with epileptic seizures?
1. Anything that hurts in the vicinity will be removed.
2. Make a ball of cloth and place it between the teeth of the victim.
3. Will hold the person so that he does not move
4. All of the above

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 4 : All of the above

Concept:-

• A seizure is a sudden disruption of the brain's normal electrical activity accompanied by altered consciousness and/or other neurological and behavioral manifestations. 
• Epilepsy is a condition characterized by recurrent seizures that may include repetitive muscle jerking called convulsions. 

Key interventions: 

• Prevent injury
• Do not force the tongue blade during an episode of the seizure ( It may injure the tooth).
• Note prodromal signs and time of onset after a seizure occurs.
• Anything that hurts in the vicinity will be removed.

Causes:

• Electrolyte imbalances, toxic state, tumors, anorexia, increased ICP, CNS inflammation, or idiopathic

Types:

• Seizures are classified into 2 main categories: 

Partial seizures

• Simple partial seizures: Symptoms may include involuntary twitching of the muscles or arms and legs; changes in vision; vertigo; and having unusual tastes or smells. The person does not lose consciousness. 
• Complex partial seizures: Symptoms may be like those of partial seizures, but the person does lose awareness for a time.

Generalized seizures involve much more or all of the brains.

• Absence seizures (petit mal): Characterized by a short period of blanking out or "absent" stare.
• Myoclonic seizures: Characterized by jerking or twitching of the limbs on both sides of the body. 
• Tonic-clonic seizures (grand mal): Symptoms include jerking or shaking of the body, LOC, and loss of bladder control. The person may have an aura before the seizure starts. These seizures may last for 5-20 minutes.

Diagnosis:

• Medical history, neurological examination, CT scan, cerebral angiography, electroencephalogram (EEG), and MRI

Treatment: 

• Anticonvulsants (e.g. Carbamazepine, sodium valporate). If a brain tumor is involved, it should be surgically removed.