SEIZURES/EPILEPSY Emergency Care

EPILEPSY/SEIZURES________________ Chronic disorder of the brain characterized by recurrent seizures CAUSES INCLUDE: Inherited diseases Problems in fetal development Lack of oxygen or brain injury at birth Problems in infancy Infections, toxicity, tumors Circulatory problems including stroke

SEIZURES _________________ Sudden, uncontrolled episodes of excessive electrical discharges in the brain There are over 30 different types of seizures Not all seizures indicate epilepsy Other causes for seizures include Genetic diseases Head trauma High temperature Exposure to environmental triggers Lack of oxygen or brain injury at birth Infections, toxicity, tumors Hypoglycemia (as in Diabetes) Alcohol & Drugs

Signs & Symptoms TONIC CLONIC GENERALIZED SEIZURES PARTIAL SEIZURES TONIC CLONIC 1-5 minutes, entire body falls, stiffens, jerks, bites tongue, bluish, lack of oxygen, incontinence, and sleepy ABSENCE SEIZURES Few seconds, staring spell or blinks eyes, most common in children, mistaken for daydreaming COMPLEX PARTIAL 1-2 minutes, purposeless activity, impaired consciousness, may appear confused, drunk, psychotic, smacks lips or struggles when restrained SIMPLE Jerking of one limb or side of body and consciousness is maintained

Medical Emergency_____ A PROLONGED OR SEVERE RECURRENT SEIZURE LASTING OVER 5 TO 15 MINUTES Conditions occurring in the body Decreased oxygen to the brain Decreased Blood flow to the brain. Decreased nutrients to the brain.