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

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

3.  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

4.  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

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

6.  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

7.  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

8.  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

9.  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

10.  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

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

12.  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

13.  Epilepsy Foundation (800) 332-1000  www.epilepsyfoundation.org www.epilepsyfoundation.org  Community Epilepsy Support Group

14. 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”

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

16.  To contact Instructor: Evelyn Stone 103 Sulley court Knightdale, NC 27545 Email: stn_vlyn@yahoo.comstn_vlyn@yahoo.com (919) 261-0696 home (919) 268-1012 cell