A inside look on seizures. By Haley Overby WHAT’S SHAKIN’

 An electric disturbance in the brain. Can cause loss of conscience or convulsions.  The condition of having recurrent seizures is called Epilepsy. 65,000,000: Number of individuals that suffer from Epilepsy. WHAT IS A SEIZURE?

GENERALIZED SEIZUREPARTIAL SEIZURESOTHER These involve both sides of the brain from the start of the attack. Ex: tonic-clonic, absence, febrile, infantile. Also known as focal; these typically begin on one side of the brain and may stay there or move to another part. There are simple and complex types within partial. Absence, atypical absence, atonic, clonic, myoclonic, tonic, tonic- clonic, simple partial, complex partial, complex partial, secondarily generalized, febrile, non- epileptic.. TYPES OF SEIZURES

 Who discovered seizures??  Seizures have been known to happen for centuries, it was not thought of as a disease.  Dr. John Hughlings Jackson was a famous neurologist in the late 1800’s. Thought more scientifically vs religiously. HISTORY OF SEIZURES Dr. John Hughlings Jackson

 Stroke, tumors, head injuries, electrolyte imbalance withdrawals, sleep deprivation, stress, poor nutrition, very low blood sugar, flashing lights, cancer, meningitis, etc.  Auras- Pre-Ictal Aura:  Autonomic  Cognitive  Affective  Automatism 1/3: Of individuals with Epilepsy either cause not known or no treatment available. CAUSES OF SEIZURE

 Blackout, strange behavior, sudden and rapid eye movement, grunting, snorting, loss of bladder or bowel control, sudden mood changes, shaking, sudden falling, tasting bitter or metallic flavor, teeth clenching, temporary stop of breathing, uncontrollable muscle spasms.  Last for few seconds or up to around 15 minutes! SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF SEIZURE

 NO prime target  Variance in severity and symptoms among different populations: Men vs Women.  Genetics and all ‘Signs & Symptoms’ mentioned in previous slide play biggest role in prevalence. WHO DOES SEIZURES PRIMARILY EFFECT?

 Seizures are difficult to diagnose. The signs, symptoms, and severity vary significantly based on each individual.  Tests performed to diagnose:  EEG  CT  MRI  Blood Tests  Spinal Tap  Chromosomal Studies HOW ARE SEIZURES AND EPILEPSY DIAGNOSED?

 Difficult to pinpoint  Seizures in children and adults vary greatly. Seizures are Fragmentary because the brain is still developing.  Don’t confuse with Moro Reflex or jitters  Cause of seizures in infants:  Illness  Abnormal brain development  Genetic disorders  Meningitis SEIZURES IN NEWBORNS & INFANTS

 Can effect children of all ages.  Can occur for a short period of time and treated with lifestyle and medication.  Can be a lifelong struggle.  Medication is usually the first answer, then diet. 300,000: Number of American children under the age of 14 that have Epilepsy. EPILEPSY IN CHILDHOOD

 There are both Medication and Diet approaches.  Doctors will attempt medication primarily.  Goal of medication:  Have little or no seizures  Have little or no side effects  Take lowest dosage possible  Take just one medication if possible  Medications vary depending on type of seizure, side effects, and if child is taking other drugs. TREATING SEIZURES & EPILEPSY: MEDICATION

 Seizures and Epilepsy have been successfully treated with diet:KETOGENIC DIET  What is Ketogenic Diet??  Very strict diet: High Fat Low Carb  Fast for 24 hours then start diet  Parents and physicians must observe any undesirable side effects:  Constipation  Dehydration  Effectiveness:  1/3 individuals successfully stopped their symptoms  Another 1/3 saw improvement TREATING SEIZURES & EPILEPSY: DIET

 What should you do in case someone has a seizure and is experiencing convulsions:  Prevent the person from falling by laying the person on the ground in a safe area; remove furniture or sharp objects from area.  Cushion persons head.  Loosen tight clothing.  Turn the person on their side.  Look for medical bracelet.  Stay with person until they have stopped.  DO NOT:  Restrain person.  Place anything in their mouths.  Try to move person unless area they are in is dangerous. FIRST AID

 CDC.gov [key search: seizures & Epilepsy]  Epilepsy.com [National Epilepsy Foundation]  WebMD.com  NLM.NIH.gov  Discovery.yukozimo.com [for history] BIBLIOGRAPHY