Epilepsy

What is Epilepsy? Epilepsy is a disorder of the brain characterised by a tendency to have recurrent seizures and defined by two or more unprovoked seizures. It is a neurological condition, which affects the nervous system. Epilepsy is also known as a seizure disorder.

Coffs Harbour Divisional Training Seizures Seizures may vary from the briefest lapses of attention or muscle jerks to severe and prolonged convulsions. 18 November 2018 Coffs Harbour Divisional Training

Coffs Harbour Divisional Training Seizures They may also vary in frequency, from less than one a year to several per day. 18 November 2018 Coffs Harbour Divisional Training

Coffs Harbour Divisional Training Seizures The seizures in epilepsy may be related to a brain injury or a family tendency, but most of the time the cause is unknown. 18 November 2018 Coffs Harbour Divisional Training

What is a Seizure? Seizures are not a disease in themselves. A seizure is a sudden surge of electrical activity in the brain that usually affects how a person feels or acts for a short time. Seizures are not a disease in themselves.

What is a Seizure? Instead, they are a symptom of many different disorders that can affect the brain.

Coffs Harbour Divisional Training What is a Seizure? Some seizures can hardly be noticed, while others are totally disabling. About half of the people who have one seizure without a clear cause will have another one, usually within 6 months. 18 November 2018 Coffs Harbour Divisional Training

Tonic-clonic seizures Tonic-clonic seizures are a type of generalised seizure affecting the entire brain. Formerly known as grand mal seizures or gran mal seizures. 18 November 2018 Coffs Harbour Divisional Training

Tonic-clonic seizures Tonic-clonic seizures are the seizure type most commonly associated with Epilepsy and seizures in general, though it is a misconception that they are the only type. 18 November 2018 Coffs Harbour Divisional Training

Tonic-clonic seizures If a Tonic–clonic seizure occurs, first aid will be needed. It starts suddenly but seldom lasts longer than 2 - 3 minutes. 18 November 2018 Coffs Harbour Divisional Training

Coffs Harbour Divisional Training What Causes Epilepsy? There is a fine balance in the brain between factors that begin electrical activity and factors that restrict it, and there are also systems that limit the spread of electrical activity. 18 November 2018 Coffs Harbour Divisional Training

Coffs Harbour Divisional Training What Causes Epilepsy? During a seizure, these limits break down, and abnormal electrical discharges can occur and spread to whole groups of neighbouring cells at once. 18 November 2018 Coffs Harbour Divisional Training

Coffs Harbour Divisional Training What Causes Epilepsy? This linkage of electrical discharges creates a "storm" of electrical activity in the brain. This is a seizure. 18 November 2018 Coffs Harbour Divisional Training

What Causes Epilepsy? Therefore, seizures are a result of sudden, usually brief, excessive electrical discharge in a group of brain cells (neurones). 2 cells with about a dozen connections

What Causes Epilepsy? Sometimes they involve the whole brain, sometimes only part of the brain. The cause is unknown for about half of everyone with epilepsy. 2 cells with about a dozen connections

Coffs Harbour Divisional Training What Causes Epilepsy? Children may be born with a defect in the structure of their brain, or they may suffer a head injury or infection that causes their epilepsy. Severe head injury is the most common known cause in young adults. 18 November 2018 Coffs Harbour Divisional Training

Coffs Harbour Divisional Training What Causes Epilepsy? In middle age, strokes, tumors, and injuries are more frequent. In people over 65, stroke is the most common known cause, followed by degenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease 18 November 2018 Coffs Harbour Divisional Training

Factors Missed medication Lack of sleep Illness (both with and without fever) Severe psychological stress Heavy alcohol use

Factors Use of cocaine and other recreational drugs such as ecstasy Over-the-counter or prescription medications or supplements that decrease the effectiveness of seizure medicines

Nutritional deficiencies: vitamins and minerals The menstrual cycle Factors Nutritional deficiencies: vitamins and minerals The menstrual cycle

Signs & Symptoms Sudden cry out Fall to the ground—sometimes resulting in injury Stiffen and lie rigid for a few seconds Rhythmic jerking muscular movements

Signs & Symptoms Very pale and have blue tinged lips Excessive saliva from mouth Sometimes bite the tongue or cheek, resulting in blood in the saliva Lost of bladder or bowel control Extremely tired, confused or agitated afterwards

Coffs Harbour Divisional Training Management During the seizure DO NOT try and restrain the person DO NOT put anything in the mouth DO NOT move the person unless in danger Protect the casualty from injury Place something soft under head and shoulders 18 November 2018 Coffs Harbour Divisional Training

Coffs Harbour Divisional Training Management After the seizure DRSABCD Keep airway clear by placing casualty on side in recovery position as soon as jerking stops, or immediately if they have vomited or have food or fluid in their mouth 18 November 2018 Coffs Harbour Divisional Training

Coffs Harbour Divisional Training Management After the seizure Oxygen 8 – 15 lpm if requirerd Manage any injuries resulting from the seizure DO NOT disturb if casualty falls asleep but continue to check vital signs. 18 November 2018 Coffs Harbour Divisional Training

Coffs Harbour Divisional Training Management Call an ambulance if: The seizure continues for more than 5 minutes Another seizure quickly follows The person has been injured The person has a history of diabetes 18 November 2018 Coffs Harbour Divisional Training

Coffs Harbour Divisional Training Questions 18 November 2018 Coffs Harbour Divisional Training