NATIONAL EPILEPSY AWARENESS MONTH

STAGES OF SEIZURES Preictal or prodrome – this is the time before the seizure. This might include an aura but many times there are no preictal symptoms. Ictal – this is the actual seizure. There is an electrical storm in the brain. Interictal- this is the time between seizures. A lot of people suffer emotional disturbances such as anxiety and depression. Co/interictal – this is the final phase, the recovery period after the seizure. It can last from minutes to hours depending on the type of seizure.

CLASSIFICATION OF SEIZURES

GENERALIZED SEIZURES – involves both sides of the brain A. Absence seizures (formerly called petit mal)- can occur up to 100 times a day. Usually present as bland staring, lip smacking, picking at clothes, face twitching B. Myoclonic seizures – cause parts of the person’s body to jerk. Person may be thought of as clumsy. C. Clonic seizures – limbs stiffening D. Tonic seizures- legs or limbs will begin jerkingE. Tonic clonic seizures (formerly called grand mal) – both head and limb involvement. E. Atonic seizures (drop attacks) – body suddenly goes limp. Does not respond to medication.

PARTIAL SEIZURES The most common type of seizures. Only one side of the brain is affected. Simple partial seizures: will often stay awake and aware. Consciousness is not impaired. The symptoms vary depending on the part of the brain affected. They may rhythmic movements, emotions or senses may be affected. Complex partial seizures: generally take place in one the two temporal lobes. Affects their consciousness – it will appear that they are in a trance and won’t respond when spoken to

MEDICATION Older drugs: Depakote, Dilantin, Tegretol, Phenobarbitol - associated with more side effects Newer drugs: Neurontin, Lamictal, Keppra, Tomamax, Trileptal – newer drugs have less side effects and are safer.

OTHER TREATMENTS Ketogenic Diet – diet rich in fats and low in carbohydrates. Used only in children if medication is not working. Vagus Nerve Stimulation – send electrical energy to the brain via vagus nerve Surgery – used particularly for those who have seizures associated with structural brain abnormalities

WEBSITES NOMORESEIZURES.ORG GETSEIZURESMART.ORG EpilepsyFoundation.org Webmd.com/epilepsy Drugs.com/condition/epilepsy

1. What is epilepsy? a) Head injury b) Stroke c) Mental Illness d) Recurring Seizures 2. What is a seizure? a) Your heart stopping b) Electrical discharges in the brain c) Involuntary movement and convulsing d) Falling on the ground 3. When a person is having a seizure, you should put this in their mouth: a) Spoon b) Tongue depressor c) Finger d) You should never put something in the mouth of a person having a seizure

4. Epilepsy can be treated with: a) A special diet b) Medication c) Surgery d) All of the above 5. What is a sign or symptom of a seizure? a) Jerking and convulsing b) Staring c) Picking at clothes d) All of the above 6. What should you do if you see someone having a seizure? a) Shake the person b) Give them liquids or medication c) Gently direct the person away from hazards and remove sharp objects that may present danger d) Put something in their mouth