Many seizures do not appear to be the flicks

When most individuals consider seizures, they image somebody falling to the bottom with violent shaking, the dramatic scenes we’ve seen in motion pictures and tv. Whereas these tonic-clonic seizures (beforehand often called grand mal seizures) do happen, the fact is that many seizures look nothing like what Hollywood portrays. They’re usually delicate, simply missed, and will be mistaken for daydreaming or uncommon conduct.

Greater than 3 million Individuals have lively epilepsy and roughly 150,000 Individuals develop epilepsy annually. This could occur to anybody and at any age. They aren’t one thing to be embarrassed about and with correct remedy, whether or not treatment or surgical intervention, many individuals with epilepsy reside full, lively lives. Recognizing when somebody has a seizure is step one in getting them the assistance they want.

Seizures are because of irregular electrical exercise within the mind. What a seizure appears to be like like relies on the place {the electrical} exercise is beginning and spreading. Listed here are some seizure varieties that one can look out for.

Absence seizures (staring spells)

These seizures normally begin in childhood. The individual all of the sudden stops what they’re doing, stares blankly, and turns into unaware of their environment. Repetitive actions corresponding to chewing and lip smacking could also be seen. These sometimes solely final seconds, however can generally last more. These seizures are sometimes mistaken for daydreaming or inattentiveness.

Focal conscious seizures

The individual experiences uncommon sensations, feelings, or actions they can’t management. They continue to be acutely aware and are conscious of their environment throughout these episodes. The stereotyped nature of the episodes and the aura occurring earlier than larger seizures is commonly a clue that these are small seizures (not inflicting lack of consciousness due to restricted unfold of {the electrical} exercise).

Focal impaired consciousness seizures

Just like absence seizures, some folks could all of the sudden cease what they’re doing, stare off, and grow to be unresponsive. They could have repetitive actions corresponding to chewing, lip smacking, and fidgeting of the fingers. Others can wander, reply questions, and even do sure actions however seem confused and don’t have any recollection of those occasions (impaired consciousness).

Generalized tonic-clonic seizures

These are the seizures portrayed in media; the individual loses consciousness, falls, and has full physique stiffening and shaking. The individual could have signs of the opposite kinds of seizure beforehand. They could set free a groan or yell (ictal cry) as their physique begins to stiffen. An important factor to do is to verify the affected person is secure and observe the steps outlined under.

Atonic seizures (“drop assaults”)

These seizures normally begin in childhood. The individual all of the sudden loses muscle tone and collapses or drops their head. These occur with out warning and may end up in accidents from falling.

Myoclonic seizures

These seizures trigger temporary, shock-like jerks of muscle tissue, which may contain any of the extremities. The jerks may cause folks to drop objects and generally even trigger buckling of the legs.

When you suspect somebody is experiencing a seizure, listed here are easy steps you may take:

• Keep calm & time it: Word when the seizure occurs, which usually lasts between 30 seconds and a couple of minutes. A seizure lasting 5 minutes or longer is taken into account a medical emergency (standing epilepticus) so if the convulsion goes past 2-3 minutes you must think about calling 911.
• Preserve them secure: Transfer furnishings or sharp objects away from the individual. Gently information somebody to a seated or mendacity place if they’re standing.
• Defend their head: Place one thing delicate beneath their head.
• Flip them on their aspect: It will maintain the airway clear from any saliva or blood that’s coming from the individual’s mouth.
• Stick with them: Somebody experiencing a seizure could also be confused afterward and even attempt to stand up and stroll away. Communicate calmly to them, reassure them, and maintain them secure.
• By no means put something of their mouth.

James Park, DO is a neurologist, epileptologist, and scientific neurophysiologist.

Hoag is a nonprofit, regional well being care supply community in Orange County, California, that treats greater than 30,000 inpatients and 480,000 outpatients yearly. Hoag consists of two acute-care hospitals – Hoag Hospital Newport Seaside, which opened in 1952, and Hoag Hospital Irvine, which opened in 2010 – along with 9 well being facilities and 13 pressing care facilities.