|
The diagnosis of epilepsy is not
a simple one. There currently are more than twenty
documented types of seizures, and no two people
who have the disorder are affected in precisely
the same manner. A seizure might entail a brief
loss of consciousness and "staring spell",
convulsions or automatic behaviors such as pulling
at hair or clothing, lip-biting or undressing. And
while one person may have only one seizure during
his or her lifetime, another may have several on
any given day.
On this page we have listed some
of the more common types of seizures, along with
advice on what you should - and should not - do
if you encounter someone having a seizure. Although
it may be an alarming experience observing someone
having a seizure, calling the emergency services
is not always necessary.
Tonic-clonic
seizure
Also called Grand Mal.
(Click here for illustrated
first aid procedures.)
What It Looks Like
Sudden cry, fall, rigidity, followed
by muscle jerks, shallow breathing or temporarily
suspended breathing, bluish skin, possible loss
of bladder control. Usually lasts a couple of minutes.
Normal breathing then starts again. There may be
some confusion and/or fatigue. Followed by return
to full consciousness.
What It Is Not
Heart attack. Stroke. Unknown but
life threatening emergency
What To Do
Look for medical identification.
Protect from nearby hazards. Loosen tie or shirt
collars. Place folded jacket under head. Turn on
side to keep airway clear. Reassure when consciousness
returns. If single seizure lasted less than 5 minutes
ask if hospital evaluation is wanted. If multiple
seizures or if one seizure lasts more than 5 minutes,
call an ambulance. If person is pregnant, injured,
or diabetic, call for aid at once.
What Not To Do
Don't put any hard implement in
mouth. Don't try to hold tongue; it can't be swallowed.
Don't try to give liquids during or just after seizure.
Don't use artificial respiration unless breathing
is absent after muscle jerks subside or unless water
has been inhaled. Don't restrain.
Typical ID card
carried by a person with epilepsy
Typical brief instructions
printed on an ID card carried by a person with
epilepsy
Complex
partial
Also called psychomotor or temporal
lobe. ( Click here for illustrated
first aid procedures.)
What It Looks Like
Usually starts with blank stare,
followed possibly by chewing, followed by random
activity. Persons appear unaware of surroundings,
may seem dazed and may mumble. Unresponsive. Actions
often clumsy, not directed. May pick at clothing,
pick up objects, try to take clothes off. May run,
appear afraid. May struggle or flail at restraint.
Once pattern established, same set of actions usually
occur with each seizure. Lasts a few minutes, but
post-seizure confusion can last substantially longer.
No memory of what happened during seizure period.
What It Is Not
Drunkenness. Intoxication on drugs.
Mental illness. Disorderly conduct.
What To Do
Speak calmly and reassuringly to
patient and others. Guide gently away from obvious
hazards. Stay with person until completely aware
of environment. Offer to help getting home.
What Not To Do
Don't grab hold unless sudden danger
(such as a cliff edge or an approaching car) threatens.
Don't try to restrain. Don't shout. Don't expect
verbal instructions to be obeyed.
Absence
Also called petit mal
What It Looks Like
A blank stare, lasting only a few
seconds, most common in children. May be accompanied
by rapid blinking, some chewing movements of the
mouth. Child having the seizures is unaware of what's
going on during the seizure, but quickly returns
to full awareness once it has stopped. May result
in learning difficulties if not recognized and treated
What It Is Not
Daydreaming. Lack of attention.
Deliberately ignoring of adult instructions.
What To Do
No first aid necessary, but medical
evaluation should be recommended.
Simple
partial
Also called Jacksonian or Partial
Sensory
What It Looks Like
Jerking begins in fingers or toes.
Can't be stopped by patient, but patient stays awake
and aware. Jerking may proceed to involve hand,
arm and sometimes spreads to whole body and becomes
a convulsive seizure.
Partial sensory seizures may not
be obvious to an onlooker. Patient experiences a
distorted environment. May see or hear things that
aren't there. May feel unexplained fear, sadness,
anger, or joy. May have nausea, experience odd smells
and have a generally "funny" feeling in
the stomach.
What It Is Not
Acting out. Bizarre behavior. Hysteria.
Mental illness. Psychosomatic illness. Parapsychological
or mystical experience.
What To Do
No first aid necessary unless seizure
becomes convulsive, then first aid as above. No
immediate action needed other than reassurance and
emotional support. Medical evaluation should be
recommended.
Atonic
seizures
Also called drop attacks
What It Looks Like
A child or adult suddenly collapses
and falls. After 10 seconds to 1 minute he recovers,
regains consciousness, and can stand and walk again.
What It Is Not
Clumsiness. Normal childhood "stage".
Child: Lack of good walking skills. Adult: Acute
illness, drunkenness.
What To Do
No first aid needed (unless injured
during fall), but the child should be given a thorough
medical evaluation.
Myoclonic
Seizure
What It Looks Like
Sudden brief, massive muscle jerks
that may involve the whole body or parts of the
body. May cause a person to spill what they were
holding or fall off a chair.
What It Is Not
Clumsiness. Poor coordination.
What To Do
No first aid needed, but should
be given a thorough medical evaluation.
Infantile
Spasms
What They Look Like
These are quick, sudden movements
that start between 3 months and 2 years. If a child
is sitting up, the head will fall forward, and the
arms will flex forward. If lying down, the knees
will be drawn up, with arms and head flexed forward
as if the baby is reaching for support.
What It Is Not
Normal movements of the baby. Colic.
What To Do
No first aid, but prompt medical
evaluation is needed.
|
Tonic Clonic