What is Epilepsy? What Causes Seizures?
A Basic Guide to Epilepsy - Cause, Symptoms and What to Do
May 17, 2009
A person can have one seizure (otherwise known as fits), but when they have more that one, they are said to be suffering from recurrent seizures. People can suffer from seizures for other reasons, not just with epilepsy, but epileptic people sometimes suffer from recurrent seizures all of their lives.
If you feel that you may be suffering from epilepsy, but have not been diagnosed, see your doctor, or medical practitioner as soon as possible.
Some people will only have seizures at specific times of day, such as when they are asleep, first thing in the morning, or if they are particularly tired or anxious about something.
Epileptic seizures are signs and/or symptoms of abnormal, excessive electrical activity in the brain. Millions of people (and animals) around the world suffer from epilepsy. Epilepsy is more common in very young children, or in the elderly.
Epilepsy can sometimes be controlled with the use of medication, but cannot be cured in this way. Plus, even with the use of medication the chances of fully controlling seizures are slim.
Causes of Epileptic Seizures
Sometimes there are specific causes for people to have seizures, such as television screens or computer screens, strobe lighting, feeling poorly or tired, smoking or drinking alcohol, or sleeping.
At other times there will not appear to be any particular trigger for the seizure, it will just happen.
Types of Epileptic Seizure
Absences/Petit Mal - These types of seizure are very common. The sufferer will look like he is in a trance, staring blankly. There is no loss of muscle control, but the person may still blink.
Atonic - The person will have complete loss of muscle control, and will usually fall. However he will be fine again usually in 5 - 10 seconds. This is frequently mistaken for fainting.
Myoclonic - This type of seizure is mostly seen in teenagers, and is basically a muscular twitch. It normally just affects the head, but can affect other limbs.
Tonic Clonic/Grand Mal - These are the most common type of seizure. The person loses control of their muscles, and usually falls, and then starts jerking repeatedly (sometimes quite violently). Tonic clonic seizures can last for a few minutes, and are usually accompanied by loss of continence. Following the seizure the individual will commonly fall into a deep sleep. Medical attention/medication may be required to bring the person out of the seizure. Also care will need to be taken that the person does not bite or choke on his tongue.
What to Do if Someone Has an Epileptic Seizure
Absences - The person suffering from the absence will be fine once the absence is over. However, he may not be aware of what has happened to him, and therefore may feel a little confused or puzzled. Simple reassurance will be all that is needed.
Atonic - The person will be fine as long as he has not hurt himself during the fall.
Myoclonic - Make sure that there are no dangerous objects near the person that he can hurt himself on, and that he is not in a hazardous situation.
Tonic Clonic - As with myoclonic seizures, try to hold the person's head steady. If he is not showing any signs of coming out of the seizure then get someone to call emergency services to get the person into hospital. It may be possible that he needs medication to come out of the seizure. After he has come out of the seizure, put him on his left side in the recovery position and remain with him until you feel that he is fully recovered.
