By Evelyn Stone, RN., BSN. M.Ed.

 Brain disorder  Repeated Convulsions  There is an abnormal & sudden change in how the neurons send electrical signals May develop at any time

 2.5 million Americans  Each year in the US 300,000 people have a seizure for the 1 st time  120,000 people are younger than 18  181,000 are diagnosed with a seizure disorder

 Brain disease – some conditions affecting the brain may be present at birth  Develop later in life  Scar tissue in the brain  Head Injury  Stroke  Brain Tumor

 Congenital - caused by the brain not developing normally before birth  Family history - genetic  Infections - Bacteria & viruses  Environmental – Toxins, carbon monoxide,  Lead

 Depends on the part of the brain is affected  Lasts a few seconds to a few minutes  Confusion  Wide open eyes that may have a blank stare  Jerking of hands, legs, or face  Stiff arms and legs  Loss of consciousness  Constant lip smacking

 Generalized – affect both sides of the brain Lose consciousness  Partial Seizures – Most common Limited to a specific area on the brain Lennox Gastaut - early onset of a common seizure type called minor motor seizures, myoclonic seizures, atypical absence seizures

 Blood tests  CT Scan A special x-ray to take pictures of the brain  EEG - paper tracing of the brain  Lumbar Puncture – spinal tap  MRI – Magnetic Resonance Imaging  Positron Emission Tomography Scan shows the area of the brain causing the seizure

 Anticonvulsant medicine – Dilantin, Depakote, Lamictal, Phenobarbital, Neurontin, & other medications.  Surgery  Vagus nerve stimulation A small device sends electrical energy to the brain through vagus nerve

 Prevent injury  Do not hold or tie the person down  Turn the person on the side to prevent aspiration/choking  Do not place anything in the person’s mouth  Do not pour any liquids in the person’s mouth  Do not try to force the teeth apart  Stay with the person until the seizure ends  Time the seizure  Watch the type of movement the person is doing  Turn the person to the side

 Treatment may cause unpleasant side effects  Seizure medication may cause slurred speech  Rash  Fever  Clumsiness  Drowsiness

 Call 911  Place something soft under the person’s head  Loosen tight clothing  Stay with the person till the seizure ends  Watch the movement of the hands

 Epilepsy Foundation (800)   Community Epilepsy Support Group

Conclusion  Remember Safety  Time the seizure  Know what meds the client is on  Turn client to side to prevent aspiration  Call 911 if the seizure is in doubt  Notify the director  Notify the legal guardian/parent  Notify the “Q”

Conclusion  Document in the client’s chart the incident  Remember to document what you observed

 To contact Instructor: Evelyn Stone 103 Sulley court Knightdale, NC (919) home (919) cell