1. Phone: (513) 721-2905 Toll Free: (877) 804-2241 Email: tom.koprowski@cincinnatiepilepsy.orgtom.koprowski@cincinnatiepilepsy.org Website: www.cincinnatiepilepsy.org

2.  To provide information on seizures and epilepsy;  To help you to better recognize different types of seizure activity;  To help you to respond to seizures in an appropriate manner.

3.  A seizure is a brief interruption in the normal functioning of the brain that takes the form of a massive release of electrical energy (like an electrical storm).  This release of electrical energy and its outward manifestation is what is called a seizure.

4.  Epilepsy is defined as a neurological disease that is characterized by unprovoked, recurrent seizures.  An unprovoked (or reflex) seizure and the probability of further seizures similar to the general recurrence risk after 2 unprovoked seizures occurring over the next 10 yrs. i  The onset of these seizures can occur without warning at any time in a person’s life.

5.  3 million Americans are diagnosed with epilepsy.  Epilepsy strikes most often in the young (under age 2) and the old (over 65 years), although it can develop at any age.  326,000 school age children 15 and under are affected by epilepsy; 90,000 of these children have severe seizures.  570,000 adults over 65 years develop epilepsy.

6.  In 70% of the cases of epilepsy, the cause cannot be determined.

7.  Symptoms of a tonic-clonic seizure include:  Loss of consciousness  Falling  Rigidity  Convulsions  Shallow breathing  Drooling  Occasionally, skin may turn blue  Possible loss of bladder of bowel control  Usually followed by confusion, tiredness and emotional upset  Usually lasts 1-3 minutes

8.  Symptoms of an absence seizure include:  Pause in activity with a blank stare  Brief lapse of awareness  Usually lasts 1-10 seconds  May be confused with behavioral issues

9.  Symptoms of complex seizures include:  Altered awareness  Blank stare or dazed look  Automatisms: Picking at clothes Lip smacking Chewing  Garbled speech  Clumsy or disoriented movements  Aimless walking

10.  Picking things up  Often lasts 1 to 3 minutes  Often followed by:  Tiredness  Headache  Emotional upset  May be confused with other behaviors

11. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NrQ_ O1fwiU

12.  First time seizure  Convulsive seizure lasting more than 5 minutes  Repeated seizures without regaining consciousness  Individual has diabetes or is pregnant  Seizure occurs in water or injury is suspected  Parents/Guardians request an emergency evaluation  If individual is not breathing after a convulsive seizure  Non-convulsive seizure lasting more than 5 minutes beyond the normal duration for that individual Follow seizure emergency definition and protocol as defined by healthcare provider in seizure action plan

13.  Sometimes Antiepileptic Drugs (AEDs) are prescribed for patients who tend to have seizure clusters or status epilepticus  Several of these include:  Ativan® (generic: lorazepam)  Versed® (generic: midazolam); now available in a nasal spray  Diastat® (generic: diazepam); dispensed as a rectal gel

14. Abbott Laboratories 1-800-222-6885  Manufacturer of:  Depakote® (generic: divalproex sodium)  Depakene® (generic: valproate) GlaxoSmithKline 1-866-475-3678  Manufacturer of:  Lamictal® (generic: lamotrigine)

15. Novartis Pharmaceuticals 1-800-277-2254  Manufacturer of:  Tegretol® (generic: carbamazepine)  Trileptal® (generic: oxcarbazepine) Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical 1-800-652-6227  Manufacturer of:  Topamax® (generic: topiramate)

16. Pfizer 1-866-706-2400  Manufacturer of:  Neurontin® (generic: gabapentin)  Lyrica® (generic: pregabalin)  Dilantin® (generic: phenytoin) UCB 1-800-477-7877  Manufacturer of:  Keppra® (generic: levetiracetam)  Vimpat® (generic: lacosamide)

17. Partnership for Prescription Assistance 1-888-477-2669 or www.pparx.orgwww.pparx.org  If you don’t have prescription coverage and can’t afford your medicines.  This program is funded by America’s pharmaceutical companies.

18. 895 Central Ave., Suite 550 Cincinnati, OH 45202 Phone: (513) 721-2905 Toll Free: (877) 804-2241 Fax: (513) 721-0799 Email: tom.koprowski@cincinnatiepilepsy.orgtom.koprowski@cincinnatiepilepsy.org Website: www.cincinnatiepilepsy.org