Dream Of Someone Else Having A Seizure? Quick Answer

Hey! So my friend wanted me to post a question about seizures here. She had what she believes to be minors and then she had two TCs due to medication and lack of sleep. She called me today and was kind of freaking out about something that happened to her last night/this morning. From what she told me she had a dream where she was in the doctor’s office and she started to feel strange. Suddenly she went kind of limp (she was sitting down) and felt kind of lightheaded but also very tired at the same time. She told me she could see and hear everything that was going on, but she couldn’t speak or move. The doctor told her she was having some kind of absence seizure or something. She woke up when the doctor gave her an injection to help her get out, but when she woke up everything was really weird. She said everything felt heavy, even her eyelids, and it felt like she’d been hit by half a punch. She couldn’t even raise her head or arms for about 30 seconds. She told me that it took her a few minutes to remember everything that happened in her dream because her mind was really foggy.

You and I were kind of curious. I know people wake up feeling a little light headed, but I don’t know how often it is that you wake up feeling so heavy in your body that you can barely open your eyes or lift your head. We also found the dream kind of funny because I had never heard of anyone having a dream about having a seizure*. Knowing that people can have seizures while they sleep, we wondered if maybe she really was having a seizure and her brain was telling her through a dream? Unfortunately she sleeps alone so no one would have been around to see if anything was happening physically.

* I always say “I” and “I” because I’m the one who’s done a little research on seizures, having worked with a lot of people who have them.

** She has also commented that she wakes up multiple times due to her body twitching, although she is not having any scary dreams or anything like that.

*** I didn’t realize how common this is.

overview

A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain. It can lead to changes in your behavior, movements or feelings, as well as in your consciousness. Two or more seizures, at least 24 hours apart, that are not caused by an identifiable cause are generally considered to be epilepsy.

There are many types of seizures, varying in symptoms and severity. Seizure types differ depending on where in the brain they start and how far they spread. Most seizures last between 30 seconds and two minutes. A seizure that lasts longer than five minutes is a medical emergency.

Seizures are more common than you might think. Seizures can occur after a stroke, a closed head injury, an infection such as meningitis, or another illness. However, the cause of a seizure is often unknown.

Most seizure disorders can be controlled with medication, but treating seizures can still have a significant impact on your daily life. The good news is that you can work with your doctor to balance seizure control and medication side effects.

symptoms

When you have a seizure, signs and symptoms can range from mild to severe and vary depending on the type of seizure. Signs and symptoms of seizures may include:

Temporary confusion

A staring spell

Uncontrollable jerky movements of the arms and legs

loss of consciousness or consciousness

Cognitive or emotional symptoms such as anxiety, restlessness or deja vu

Doctors generally classify seizures as either focal or generalized, depending on how and where abnormal brain activity begins. Seizures can also be classified as unknown onset if it is not known how the seizure began.

focal seizures

Partial seizures result from abnormal electrical activity in an area of ​​your brain. Partial seizures can occur with or without loss of consciousness:

Partial seizures with impaired consciousness. These seizures involve a change or loss of consciousness or consciousness that feels like a dream. You appear awake, but you stare into space and do not react normally to your surroundings, or you perform repetitive movements. This may include rubbing your hands, mouth movements, repeating certain words, or walking in circles. You may not remember the seizure or even know it happened.

These seizures involve a change or loss of consciousness or consciousness that feels like a dream. You appear awake, but you stare into space and do not react normally to your surroundings, or you perform repetitive movements. This may include rubbing your hands, mouth movements, repeating certain words, or walking in circles. You may not remember the seizure or even know it happened. Focal seizures without loss of consciousness. These seizures can change emotions or change the way things look, smell, feel, taste, or sound, but you don’t lose consciousness. You may suddenly feel angry, happy, or sad. Some people experience nausea or unusual feelings that are difficult to describe. These seizures can also cause difficulty in speaking, involuntary twitching of a body part such as an arm or leg, and spontaneous sensory symptoms such as tingling, dizziness, and seeing blinking lights.

The symptoms of focal seizures can be mistaken for other neurological disorders, such as migraines, narcolepsy, or mental illness.

Generalized seizures

Seizures that appear to affect all areas of the brain are called generalized seizures. The different types of generalized seizures include:

absence seizures. Absence seizures, formerly known as petit mal seizures, are common in children and are characterized by staring into space or subtle body movements such as blinking or lip-smacking. They typically last five to ten seconds but can occur up to hundreds of times a day. These seizures can occur frequently and lead to a brief loss of consciousness.

Absence seizures, formerly known as petit mal seizures, are common in children and are characterized by staring into space or subtle body movements such as blinking or lip-smacking. They typically last five to ten seconds but can occur up to hundreds of times a day. These seizures can occur frequently and lead to a brief loss of consciousness. Tonic seizures. Tonic seizures cause your muscles to stiffen. These seizures usually affect muscles in the back, arms and legs and can cause you to lose consciousness and fall to the ground.

Tonic seizures cause your muscles to stiffen. These seizures usually affect muscles in the back, arms and legs and can cause you to lose consciousness and fall to the ground. Atonic seizures. Atonic seizures, also known as falling seizures, cause a loss of muscle control, which can cause you to suddenly collapse, fall, or drop your head.

Atonic seizures, also known as falling seizures, cause a loss of muscle control, which can cause you to suddenly collapse, fall, or drop your head. clonic seizures. Clonic seizures are associated with repetitive or rhythmic twitching muscle movements. These seizures usually affect the neck, face, and arms on either side of the body.

Clonic seizures are associated with repetitive or rhythmic twitching muscle movements. These seizures usually affect the neck, face, and arms on either side of the body. myoclonic seizures. Myoclonic seizures usually appear as sudden short jerks or twitches of your arms and legs. Unconsciousness often does not occur.

Myoclonic seizures usually appear as sudden short jerks or twitches of your arms and legs. Unconsciousness often does not occur. Tonic-clonic seizures. Tonic-clonic seizures, formerly known as grand mal seizures, are the most dramatic form of epileptic seizures and can cause a sudden loss of consciousness, body stiffness and tremors, and sometimes loss of bladder control or tongue biting. They can last for several minutes.

When to the doctor

Get medical help right away if any of the following happen:

The seizure lasts more than five minutes.

Breathing or consciousness does not return after the seizure stops.

A second seizure follows immediately.

You have a high fever.

You have heat exhaustion.

You’re pregnant.

you have diabetes

You injured yourself during the seizure.

If you are having a seizure for the first time, seek medical advice.

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causes

Nerve cells (neurons) in the brain generate, send, and receive electrical impulses that allow the brain’s nerve cells to communicate. Anything that interferes with these lines of communication can lead to a seizure. Some types of seizure disorders can be caused by genetic mutations.

The most common cause of seizures is epilepsy. But not everyone who has a seizure has epilepsy. Sometimes seizures can be caused or triggered by:

High fever that can accompany an infection such as meningitis

lack of sleep

Flashing lights, moving patterns, or other visual stimuli

Low levels of sodium in the blood (hyponatraemia), which can occur with diuretic therapy

Medications, such as certain pain relievers, antidepressants, or smoking cessation therapies, that lower the seizure threshold

Head trauma leading to bleeding in the brain

Blood vessel abnormalities in the brain

Autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus and multiple sclerosis

Stroke

brain tumor

Use of illegal or recreational drugs, such as amphetamines or cocaine

Alcohol abuse, during withdrawal periods or extreme intoxication

COVID-19 virus infection

complications

A seizure can sometimes lead to circumstances that are dangerous to you or others. You could be at risk from:

Seizures occur when there is a misfire or signal disruption in your brain’s electrical system. This signal disrupts your normal brain function and can cause effects such as restricted movement or loss of consciousness. There are different types of seizures, and everyone can have different experiences. People with recurring seizures are diagnosed with a condition called epilepsy. Seizures can be a dangerous condition, especially if you don’t know when one is coming. You could fall or be in an unsafe situation—like driving a car—if a seizure occurs. Fortunately, many people who experience seizures have warning signs that one is coming. These signs occur during the prodrome or aura phase of a seizure, which may precede the seizure.

Stages of a seizure Seizures come in stages for most people. There are usually four stages and they are: Prodrome

aura

ictal

Postictal The prodrome and aura typically occur just before or at the onset of a seizure, and signs vary from person to person. The middle or active part of the seizure is the ictal phase, and the period immediately after a seizure is called the post-ictal phase.

Warning Signs of an Impending Seizure The body provides a number of warning signs before a seizure occurs, but some are quick or subtle and can be difficult to spot. Prodromal Stage The prodromal stage can last anywhere from 10 minutes to several days before an attack begins. Common symptoms are: a “strange feeling”

confusion

fear

irritability

Headache Aura Stage Auras can be another warning sign of a seizure itself or signal the onset of a seizure. In some cases, the aura is the seizure itself, often referred to as a simple focal or partial seizure. Sometimes referred to as simple focal seizures, auras occur in one part of the brain. When they spread from one part of the brain to another, other types of seizures — such as generalized tonic-clonic (GTC) seizures — can follow. Most people don’t lose consciousness during simple partial seizures, and people with auras usually have the same symptoms every time. Symptoms during an aura or focal seizure include: muscle twitches or jerky movements on one side of the body

a déjà vu feeling

intense fear or anxiety

Hallucinations in the form of visions, sounds or smells

Changes in blood pressure or heart rate

Loss of bowel or bladder control

numbness or tingling

confusion

Nausea or “butterflies” in the stomach

What to do if you think you’re about to have a seizure If you notice warning signs of a seizure or know one is coming, the first priority is to make sure you are safe. Below are some tips to keep in mind if you know you’re about to have a seizure. Avoid driving, ask someone to stay with you, or make sure you sit or lie down.

If you are cooking or near an open flame, stop.

Avoid heights or rock climbing.

If you have children, make sure they are prepared or that you have someone with you to look after them during your seizure.

Avoid water activities or swimming.

If you tend to stray or become confused during or after a seizure, lock your house doors or have someone check on you.

Can you predict when someone else will have a seizure? If you are with someone who is indicating they are about to have a seizure or have signs of an impending seizure that you recognize, you can help protect them. Maybe the other person starts shaking or breathing differently, or they’re suddenly confused. If you are close to someone who is having seizures, you are likely to become familiar with their warning signs. If you receive an alert that a seizure is about to begin, do the following: If the person is standing, help them get down on the floor.

Clear the area of ​​objects that could injure you.

Loose clothing, especially around the neck.

Stay with the person for the duration of the seizure.

What to do during and after a seizure Knowing that you or someone else is about to have a seizure can give you time to get into a safe position. The seizure safety doesn’t end there, however. Let’s go through some safety measures you can take during and after a seizure. During and after your own seizure Keep a seizure journal and make notes of when you had a seizure, how long it lasted, and what you were doing when you started.

Provide your doctor with information about the timing, warning signs, and possible triggers of your seizures. This can help you take steps to prevent seizures.

Make sure you are in a safe place when your seizure starts. Have a seizure action plan.

Let those around you know you are having a seizure.

Use any treatments or medications you’ve been prescribed to stop seizures. During and after someone else has a seizure Roll the person onto their side to allow saliva or vomit to drain out of their mouth.

Don’t put anything in the person’s mouth.

Check that the person can breathe properly.

Note the start time of the seizure and how long it lasts.

Stay with the person for the duration of the seizure.

When to Seek Medical Help If you’ve been diagnosed with epilepsy or have frequent seizures, you probably won’t need to see a doctor for every episode. If your seizures are limited and don’t affect your ability to breathe, you can take safety precautions, including recording their duration and your triggers, and follow a safety plan. Medical Emergency If you or anyone else experiences the following during a seizure, call 911 or get medical help right away: Difficulty breathing or stopping breathing

high fever

Loss of consciousness that persists after the seizure ends

traumatic injuries from seizures

Seizures last longer than 2 minutes

if you or the person having the attack have diabetes

if you or the person having the seizure are pregnant

if confusion persists for a long time after the seizure has ended

A seizure is the change in physical behavior that occurs after an episode of abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

The term “seizure” is often used interchangeably with “convulsion.” During convulsions, a person has uncontrollable tremors that are rapid and rhythmic, with muscles contracting and relaxing repeatedly. There are many different types of seizures. Some have mild symptoms without shaking.

Having a brain spasm can be a terrifying experience. When you have a seizure, there was a problem with too much uncoordinated electrical activity in your brain. In general, a seizure occurs when too many of your brain cells are being aroused at the same time. There are two different types of seizures, generalized and partial. In a generalized seizure, your brain has abnormal electrical activity on both sides of your brain. Partial seizures occur when electrical activity increases in one part of your brain. Seizures can occur for many reasons; It can be caused by high levels of salt or sugar in your blood; Brain injury from a stroke or head injury Brain problems you were born with or maybe a brain tumor. Dementia such as Alzheimer’s, high fever, or diseases or infections that damage your brain. Illicit drug use or withdrawal from alcohol or drug use can also cause seizures. So what are the signs that someone is having a seizure? Some people with seizures may have simple staring spells, while others have violent, uncontrollable shaking and loss of consciousness. Some people will see flashing lights, others may hallucinate. Some people may have strange sensations, such as B. Tingling, smelling an odor that isn’t really there, or emotional changes. Most people who have a seizure for the first time go to the emergency room. The doctor will run tests to rule out medical causes, such as a stroke. You may have blood tests, a CT or MRI scan of your head, or a spinal tap. Treatment depends on the cause of your seizure. For example, if an attack is caused by a fever, treatment will focus on bringing the fever down. Your doctor may send you home with some medicines to help you avoid further seizures if there is reason to believe you are at ongoing risk of seizures. You should get plenty of sleep and try to keep as regular a schedule as possible and avoid too much stress. Most people with seizures can lead very active lifestyles. Plan ahead for the possible dangers of a particular activity. Avoid any activity where unconsciousness would be dangerous until it is clear that seizures are unlikely to recur.

Identifying the warning signs of a seizure

Although they can be frightening to watch, most seizures resolve on their own and cause minimal concern. The problem is that people can sometimes injure themselves or develop medical emergencies during a seizure. For certain types of seizures, there are warning signs that a seizure is imminent. If you or your loved one are prone to seizures, recognizing the warning signs of a seizure can help you better manage the situation.

Prodrome (early warning signs)

People with generalized seizures, also known as tonic-clonic seizures, may experience the following symptoms a few hours or days before an attack. They are mostly emotional signals:

mood swings

inability to concentrate

Increased restlessness and irritability

depression

drowsiness

headache

sleep disorders

Aura (Late Warning Signs)

People with partial seizures may have the following signs seconds or minutes before the actual seizure:

Unusual smells, tastes, sounds or sensations

nausea

A feeling of déjà vu (feeling like you are experiencing something that happened before)

Intense fear and panic

Tingling in certain parts of your body

Jerky movements of the arm, leg, or body

weakness and fall to the ground

Identify the warning signs that will help you get to a safe place and let someone know something is going on. It’s a good idea to keep a seizure diary to keep track of what signs and symptoms are occurring in your case. You must pay particular attention to changes that may be due to a change in medication and inform your doctor.

Bystanders are generally advised to allow the seizure and to observe the 3Cs – remain calm, cover the subject’s head with a pillow to avoid injury, and call an ambulance if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes.

North Suffolk Neurology is a full-service neurology, headache and sleep medicine practice comprised of dedicated, experienced staff dedicated to helping our patients and their families maintain and improve their health. To schedule an appointment, please call: (631) 364-9119.

Do I have seizures while sleeping?

Empatica Feb 18, 2020 • Read time 12 min

One of the main concerns of living with epilepsy is making sure you get help quickly during an attack. During the day this may be less of a problem as you have friends or family members who are available and by your side.

However, the night might be a more difficult time: everyone is asleep, so it’s harder to spot a seizure when one occurs, even if you’re in the same room. Sometimes you may wake up with a headache or feel sore and wonder if you had a seizure the night before.

Or maybe your son or daughter has epilepsy. During the day, they’re always with their teacher or other kids at school, so you might have less worry about them being alone if they have a seizure. However, as a parent, you may worry at night about leaving them to sleep alone. Many of you have told us that you sleep in the same room for fear a seizure will be missed.

Certainly, in such situations, nights can be filled with fear, worry, and doubt. This is exactly why we wanted to prepare this blog post for you so that you don’t feel in the dark. We light up the darkness:

How common night seizures are Why they can be dangerous How to know if you or your loved one has had a night seizure How you can protect yourself by making a few simple changes.

Let’s start.

What are nocturnal seizures?

Any type of seizure can be a nocturnal seizure and can happen to anyone with epilepsy. However, certain types of epilepsy are more prone to them: juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, awakening tonic-clonic (grand mal), benign rolandic, electrical status epilepticus of sleep, Landau-Kleffner syndrome, and frontal lobe epilepsy [1].

Some people have seizures that occur both during the day and at night [1], but up to 45% of people have seizures primarily during sleep [2]. If you only have nocturnal seizures while you sleep, then you have pure nocturnal epilepsy [1].

Although nocturnal seizures occur during sleep, some of their characteristics are similar to daytime seizures. During a nocturnal seizure, you can:

scream or make unusual noises, especially before the muscles tighten

suddenly seem very rigid

lose control of the bladder

twitching or jerking

bite your tongue

fall out of bed

wake up for no apparent reason [3].

When do nocturnal seizures occur?

As the name suggests, these are seizures that occur during sleep, but that doesn’t mean they’re limited to the night. They can also occur during a nap [1].

According to Epilepsy Action Australia, there are more common times you might have a nocturnal seizure: “Within the first hour or two of falling asleep (early nocturnal seizures), one to two hours before the usual time of awakening (early morning seizures), approximately within the first hour of waking up (early morning seizures)” [1].

Are nighttime seizures dangerous?

Since nocturnal seizures mostly occur at night, they are less likely to be noticed, even by the person experiencing them [1]. Unfortunately, most cases of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) occur after a seizure, and most deaths occur when people are in bed and supposedly asleep [4].

However, having someone there to provide first aid, holding the person on their side during a generalized seizure, or repositioning them to keep their airway open can help limit SUDEP [5].

Another reason nocturnal seizures can be dangerous is that people can get injured: they can fall out of bed or be bruised if they wake up from injuries at night. Because sleep deprivation can be a trigger for seizures in general, nighttime seizures can also cause more daytime seizures [1]. Sleep monitoring solutions like the Mate app can help you understand when you’ve had a good night’s sleep.

How do I know if I had a seizure while sleeping?

When no one is around to witness a nighttime seizure, it can be difficult to know if you’ve had one. However, there are some signs to help you understand if you or someone you love has had one:

the bed is wet

You bit your tongue

You fell out of bed

they feel confused, exhausted, or lack sleep

they have a headache

they have bruises [3].

It can be difficult to distinguish a nocturnal seizure from sleepwalking or night terrors. As with other types of epilepsy, a good history of seizures or an eyewitness account is important for diagnosis [1]. Your doctor can do an EEG (electroencephalogram) to see the electrical activity in the brain. Sometimes they can also do an MRI or CT scan. If someone only has nocturnal seizures, a sleep study can be done to rule out other sleep problems, such as sleep apnea [6].

How can I prevent injuries from seizures while sleeping?

Proper treatment can help someone relieve or prevent seizures. A doctor decides treatment based on the type of seizure, the cause, and the individual characteristics of the patient. Some treatment options include anti-seizure medications, the ketogenic diet, avoidance of known seizure triggers, a vagus nerve stimulator, surgery [6].

However, people with nighttime seizures can take some preventive measures to reduce injuries:

Choose a low bed frame

Lay the mattress on the floor

Place a gymnastics-type safety mat on the floor by the bedside

Mount lamps on the wall instead of keeping them on the bedside table

move furniture away from the bed

Use a nighttime seizure monitor [3] like Embrace2, which alerts someone when the person is having a possible tonic-clonic seizure.

It is important to realize that there are no devices proven to prevent SUDEP [7], but seizure warning devices could help someone get first aid for seizures more quickly [8].

Embrace2 may be able to help.

If you are looking for such a solution, Embrace2 might be able to help. It is an FDA-approved bracelet for detecting possible generalized tonic-clonic seizures with an accuracy of 98% [9], both day and night. When it detects a possible tonic-clonic seizure, it sends a text message and calls caregivers to let them know you need help. It doesn’t matter how far apart you are; They could sleep in neighboring rooms or in different cities. The text message also includes your GPS location in case your caregiver needs to find you or send your position to emergency services.

During periods of rest, the false alarm rate (FAR) is low for both children and adults, 0.05 and 0.02, respectively [10]. With a low FAR and high sensitivity, Embrace2 only calls for help when you need it.

This way you can sleep more peacefully knowing that your loved one will be alerted and can help you quickly. Or, if you’re a parent, you can sleep in your own bed with Embrace2, safe in the knowledge that you’ll be called if Embrace2 detects a possible seizure.

What else does Embrace2 help with night seizures?

The Alert and Mate apps have night-time seizure tracking features.

Embrace2 works with two companion apps, the Alert app and the Mate app.

A useful feature of Embrace2 is Alert Review. In the Alert app, each time Embrace2 detects a possible seizure, the alerts are saved in a “pending bar”. The pending bar shows you how many alerts you need to review before they appear in your seizure diary in the Mate app.

When you review an alert, you can indicate whether it was a false positive, how long it lasted, and add notes about how you were feeling beforehand. If you see pending alerts for seizures that you don’t remember, it could possibly mean you had a nocturnal seizure.

The Mate app is the seizure diary that visualizes the information captured by the Alert app. If you’re looking for a seizure tracker, Mate can help. You can also add other seizure types not recognized by Embrace to get a more complete picture of your health.

Mate also displays rest and physical activity information. It offers detailed statistics, such as B. the time you woke up and went to bed, the number of throws and spins and breaks. All of this information together could be useful to show to your doctor so they can better understand your lifestyle habits.

We hope that this blog post has provided you with helpful and useful information about nocturnal seizures. Knowing more about them can help you better prepare yourself on how to protect yourself and your loved ones. If you have any questions about Embrace2, please email our support team at [email protected].

Words worth reading Read more

References:

overview

Temporal lobe seizures begin in the temporal lobes of your brain, which process emotions and are important for short-term memory. Some symptoms of a temporal lobe seizure may be related to these functions, including strange feelings — like euphoria, deja vu, or anxiety.

Temporal lobe seizures are sometimes referred to as partial-onset seizures. Some people are aware of what is happening, but with more intense seizures, you may look awake but not respond. Your lips and hands can make pointless, repetitive movements.

Temporal lobe seizures can result from an anatomical defect or scar in your temporal lobe, but the cause is often unknown. Temporal lobe seizures are treated with medication. For some people who don’t respond to medication, surgery may be an option.

symptoms

An unusual sensation (aura) may precede a temporal lobe seizure and serve as a warning. Not everyone who has temporal lobe seizures has auras, and not everyone who has auras remembers them.

The aura is actually the first part of a focal seizure before consciousness is impaired. Examples of auras are:

A sudden feeling of unprovoked fear or joy

A déjà vu experience – a feeling that what is happening has happened before

A sudden or strange smell or taste

A rising sensation in the abdomen, similar to that of riding a roller coaster

Sometimes temporal lobe seizures affect your ability to respond to others. This type of temporal lobe seizure usually lasts 30 seconds to two minutes. Characteristic signs and symptoms include:

Loss of awareness of the surroundings

stare

smacking

Repeated swallowing or chewing

Unusual finger movements, such as plucking movements

After a temporal lobe seizure, you may have:

A time of confusion and difficulty speaking

Inability to remember what happened during the seizure

ignorance of having had an attack

Extreme sleepiness

What begins as a seizure in the temporal lobe develops in extreme cases into a generalized tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizure – with convulsions and loss of consciousness.

When to the doctor

Get medical help right away if any of the following happen:

The seizure lasts more than five minutes.

Breathing or consciousness does not return after the seizure stops.

A second seizure follows immediately.

Recovery is not complete after the seizure is over.

Recovery is slower than usual after the attack is over.

You have a high fever.

You have heat exhaustion.

You’re pregnant.

you have diabetes

You injured yourself during the seizure.

If you are having a seizure for the first time, seek medical advice.

Seek medical advice in these cases:

If you think you or your child are having seizures

If the number or severity of seizures increases significantly without explanation

If new signs or symptoms of seizures appear

There is a problem with the information submitted for this request. Check/update the information highlighted below and resubmit the form. Get the latest epilepsy information straight to your inbox from Mayo Clinic. Sign up for free and get the latest information on epilepsy treatment, care and management. I want to learn more about: Up-to-date information on treatment for newly diagnosed epilepsy Advice on managing epilepsy Error Select a topic Error Email field is required Error Please enter a valid email address. In order to provide you with the most relevant and helpful information and to understand what information is useful, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this may include proprietary health information. If we combine this information with your Protected Health Information, we treat all such information as Protected Health Information and will only use or disclose such information as described in our Privacy Practices Statement. You can unsubscribe from email communications at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the email. Thank you for subscribing. You will shortly receive the first epilepsy email message in your inbox. This news includes the latest treatment options, innovations and other information from our epilepsy experts. You can unsubscribe from these emails at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the email. Sorry, there was an error with your subscription. Please try again in a few minutes. Try it again

causes

Brain lobes Open pop-up dialog Close Brain lobes Brain lobes Each side of your brain contains four lobes. The frontal lobe is important for cognitive function and the control of voluntary movement or activity. The parietal lobe processes information about temperature, taste, touch, and movement, while the occipital lobe is primarily responsible for vision. The temporal lobe processes memories and integrates them with taste, sound, sight, and touch.

Often the cause of temporal lobe seizures remains unknown. However, they can be the result of a number of factors, including:

traumatic brain injury

Infections such as encephalitis or meningitis, or a history of such infections

A process that causes scarring (gliosis) in a part of the temporal lobe called the hippocampus

Malformations of the blood vessels in the brain

Stroke

brain tumors

Genetic Syndromes

During normal waking and sleeping, your brain cells produce different electrical activities. When electrical activity in many brain cells becomes abnormally synchronized, convulsions, or seizures, can occur.

When this happens in just one area of ​​the brain, a focal seizure occurs. A temporal lobe seizure is a focal seizure that originates in one of the temporal lobes.

complications

Over time, repeated temporal lobe seizures can cause the part of the brain responsible for learning and memory (the hippocampus) to shrink. The loss of brain cells in this area can cause memory problems.

Can Anxiety Cause Seizures? In some cases maybe. And seizures can also lead to anxiety. We’ll explore why and what you can do to manage both. Share on Pinterest Thomas Barwick/Getty Images Anxiety is a human response to stress, expectation, or trauma. For some people, anxiety becomes overwhelming and disruptive in everyday life. Anxiety disorders are among the most commonly diagnosed mental illnesses in the United States. Doctors have been trying to figure out the link between anxiety and seizures for years. Although research continues, it is now clear that this connection is strong. However, the connection between them appears to be complex. Anxiety can lead to seizures in some cases, and seizures can lead to anxiety.

Anxiety and Seizures Here’s what we know about how seizures and anxiety are related. How Can Seizures Cause Anxiety? It’s natural to feel anxious after a seizure or when a doctor has just diagnosed you with epilepsy. As with many chronic illnesses and traumatic events, seizures can be unsettling and some people find them frightening. Seizure symptoms that may worry some people include: palpitations

Sweat

hyperventilation

Loss of Motor Control Knowing that a seizure can occur without warning can make you feel anxious in social or public situations. This element of surprise can seriously affect your mental well-being. Unfortunately, the stigma surrounding epilepsy and seizures is also very real and can add to your anxiety. Researchers have found that the brain regions and mechanisms involved in seizures overlap with those critical to anxiety. How can stress and anxiety cause a seizure? If you have seizures, you may find that they occur more frequently during particularly stressful times. Because measuring stress and anxiety can be subjective and vague, there’s no clear evidence that stress and anxiety directly cause seizures. However, according to research into people’s experiences with seizures, stress and anxiety can trigger seizures, and current research often underestimates the role they can play. Lack of sleep is a common trigger for seizures, and this can often happen in people who are under overwhelming stress. For this reason, health experts recommend sticking to a strict sleep schedule as a technique to treat seizures. However, anxiety can affect sleep quality and duration. Even people with well-treated epilepsy can experience a seizure as a result of severe sleep deprivation. Research shows that differences in the brain’s response to elevated levels of the hormone cortisol during moments of high anxiety may also help explain why stress causes seizures in some people. Cortisol is a hormone that your body produces more when you are suffering from stress and anxiety.

What are Pseudoseicures (PNES)? Scientists and healthcare professionals typically classify seizures into one of two categories: epileptic and non-epileptic. The difference between the two lies in their causes. Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES), or dissociative seizures, used to be called pseudoseizure seizures. They are usually triggered by a particularly emotional or stressful event, or by chronic underlying psychological distress. Divorce, the death of a loved one, and sexual abuse are examples of events commonly associated with PNES. PNES and anxiety are closely intertwined as a seizure can be a response to trauma. According to the Epilepsy Foundation, about half of people with PNES are living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). During a PNES you may experience: uncontrolled movements

shaking his head

Loss and regaining of consciousness

memory lapses

Tremble

dizziness or lightheadedness

Palpitations PNES is more likely to happen if you are: a woman

have a history of physical, sexual, or emotional trauma

have an anxiety disorder, depression, or personality disorder Four out of five people with PNES have had a psychiatric disorder at some point in their lives. What is the difference between PNES and panic attacks? The symptoms of both events are similar. However, PNES is less likely to involve the severe feelings of panic and anxiety that accompany panic attacks. Panic attacks and PNES are easily confused. Even medical professionals sometimes confuse one with the other. In fact, there seems to be a close relationship between the two. According to a 2018 analysis of studies, 17% to 83% of people with PNES also experience panic attacks. What distinguishes epileptic seizures from PNES? An epileptic seizure occurs as a result of changes in electrical signaling in the brain. Typically, your brain has regular rhythmic patterns of electrical signals. But when you have an epileptic seizure, these patterns are suddenly disrupted. Instead of firing in the typical pattern, your neurons fire in sync with large bursts of electrical activity. On the other hand, non-epileptic seizures like PNES are not the result of a disturbance in brain activity. Usually another physiological problem or acute psychological stress is the cause.

Can fear cause epilepsy? Stress is one of the most commonly cited seizure triggers in people with epilepsy. A 2017 review of studies suggests that higher levels of stress and anxiety are associated with a greater likelihood of epileptic seizures. The same review also notes that reducing stress levels can significantly improve outcomes for people with epilepsy, suggesting a close relationship between stress and epilepsy. But whether fear can alter brain function enough to directly cause epilepsy remains to be seen. The evidence so far is inconclusive. A 2015 study found that 5 in 1,000 people with epilepsy would have seizures after a highly distressing life event, such as the death of a family member.

Diagnosis To give you the most accurate diagnosis, a doctor needs to do a full medical evaluation and hear from people who have seen your seizures. Due to the overlap of symptoms, PNES is often misdiagnosed as epileptic seizures or sometimes as panic attacks. Brain scans such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are an effective way to diagnose epilepsy. These brain imaging tests allow neurologists to look for a possible physical cause of the seizures, such as: B. a tumor or malformed blood vessels. However, for PNES, these types of scans are generally not helpful. A video electroencephalogram (EEG) is most useful in determining a PNES diagnosis. This type of scan records your movement and activity while also tracking your brainwaves. The goal of a video EEG is to determine if your seizures are actually due to electrical activity in your brain. People with epilepsy are more likely to have recurrent, shorter seizures and respond well to antiseizure drugs.

How to prevent anxiety-induced seizures For people with PNES, identifying the root cause or initial trigger of the seizures is particularly important for successful treatment. It’s a good idea to address any underlying psychiatric conditions you may have. Treating these can reduce or even eliminate your seizures. Treatment for anxiety-induced epileptic and non-epileptic seizures may include: Psychotherapy. About 50% of people with PNES show improvement after 3 months of therapy. Types include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and long-term therapy, which is a type of CBT.

About 50% of people with PNES show improvement after 3 months of therapy. Types include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and long-term therapy, which is a type of CBT. mindfulness Practicing mindfulness can help improve the quality of life for people with drug-resistant epilepsy.

Practicing mindfulness can help improve the quality of life for people with drug-resistant epilepsy. Medication. Many medications have been shown to significantly reduce both anxiety and seizures. These include: Anticonvulsants Antidepressants (SSRIs and SNRIs) Benzodiazepines

Many medications have been shown to significantly reduce both anxiety and seizures. These include: While benzodiazepines are effective in treating anxiety and seizures, they come with some risks. If you take them, you may have a high chance of experiencing dependence and withdrawal. We recommend exercising caution when considering medication. Before taking anything, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about the benefits, risks, and whether it’s right for you.

Many people with epilepsy say that sleep deprivation, increased alcohol consumption, and menstrual changes lead to an increase in seizure frequency. You probably already knew that. What you might want to know is why. The reason for this is that all these situations change the excitability of your brain. Your brain is very sensitive to these changes, and if the deviation from normal is large enough, you can start having a seizure.

Emotional stress can also lead to seizures. Emotional stress is usually related to a situation or event that is personally significant to you. It can be a situation where you feel a loss of control. In particular, the type of emotional distress that leads to most seizures is worry or anxiety. One study found that anxiety — another term for worry and anxiety — led to hyperventilation (overbreathing) and an increase in abnormal brain activity and seizures in some patients. Other emotions that have been linked to stress and seizures are frustration and anger. Sometimes stress is a “big” event, but more often than not, people report an accumulation of daily problems or stress.

Important points

In status epilepticus, the seizures last too long

It is a medical emergency that can occur with any type of seizure

Some people are prescribed rescue medication to treat status epilepticus

If you have epilepsy, it’s important to have an up-to-date treatment plan so those around you know what to do if status epilepticus occurs.

What is status epilepticus?

Most people with epilepsy have seizures that last a short time and stop on their own. But sometimes a seizure can last too long and become status epilepticus (sometimes you’ll just hear it abbreviated as “status”). It happens when a seizure doesn’t stop in the usual amount of time, or when someone has consecutive seizures without recovering in between. Status epilepticus can occur with any type of seizure.

There are many different causes. Status epilepticus can occur in people who have been diagnosed with epilepsy and also in people who have never had a seizure before. This can happen, for example, because of a stroke or head injury, or because of drug or alcohol abuse.

Spasmodic (tonic-clonic) status epilepticus

Spasmodic status epilepticus is when:

A tonic-clonic seizure lasts 5 minutes or longer, or

Minutes or longer, one tonic-clonic seizure follows another without the person regaining consciousness in between

When any of these things happen, the person needs urgent treatment to stop the status before it causes long-term damage. If convulsive status epilepticus lasts 30 minutes or more, it can cause permanent brain damage or even death.

Other forms of status epilepticus

Some forms of status epilepticus are known to be nonconvulsive. They occur when a nonconvulsive seizure, such as B. a seizure with absence or focal disturbance of consciousness, lasts too long. These can be harder to spot because the signs and symptoms are less obvious. For example, someone who is in absent state or focally impaired awareness state may appear confused and less responsive than usual, or exhibit changes in their speech or behavior for no clear reason.

Even non-seizure status epilepticus can be very serious for some people, depending on the cause of the seizure. If someone you care for is at risk of developing status epilepticus, their specialist doctor should tell you what signs to look for and when to get help. Nonconvulsive status epilepticus usually requires specialist evaluation and an EEG test to diagnose it and look for other possible causes that might have similar symptoms.

Other types of seizures can also become status epilepticus if they last too long. For example, some people with a rare type of epilepsy called Lennox-Gastaut syndrome may have tonic status epilepticus. This is when a person has repeated tonic seizures, in which their whole body stiffens, with little or no recovery in between.

How can I reduce my risk of status epilepticus if I have epilepsy?

Here are some ways you can reduce your risk of status epilepticus:

Always take your epilepsy medication regularly and never stop or reduce your medicine without the advice of your doctor or nurse. Missing doses and suddenly stopping epilepsy medication are common triggers for status epilepticus

Get the right treatment and care for your epilepsy to help you have as few seizures as possible

Limit the amount of alcohol you drink, but if you are addicted to alcohol, seek medical advice before stopping. Alcohol withdrawal after binge drinking can be a trigger for status epilepticus

Find out if you have any triggers for your seizures and avoid them whenever you can

Talk to your epilepsy specialist if you’re concerned about status epilepticus

What is the treatment for status epilepticus?

There are a number of medications available in the hospital that doctors can use to stop status epilepticus. You usually give these medicines by injection or directly into your body through a small plastic tube that is inserted into a vein (called a drip). The rescue service (paramedic) also carries medication with them so that they can start treatment as soon as they arrive.

If someone with epilepsy has a known increased risk of a dangerous type of status epilepticus, their doctor may prescribe emergency medicine (sometimes called rescue medicine) for them. It is usually only prescribed for convulsive status epilepticus.

The goal of emergency medicine is to stop the condition early, before it causes long-term damage. When the status stops, the person may not need to go to the hospital, depending on how well they are recovering and what their care plan says. Emergency medicine can be administered by a family member, caregiver, teacher, or colleague who has been trained to administer it.

types of emergency medicine

There are two main types of emergency medicine approved for use in the UK:

Buccal midazolam: Given with a plastic syringe between the gum and the person’s cheek. Brand names include Buccolam and Epistatus

This is given with a plastic syringe between the gum and the person’s cheek. Brand names include Buccolam and Epistatus Rectal Diazepam: This is administered rectally (inserted into the person’s bottom). Brand names include Diazepam RecTube and Stesolid

A small number of children are prescribed a different type of emergency medicine called rectal paraldehyde.

care plans

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) says everyone with epilepsy should have a care plan. A care plan is an agreement between the person with epilepsy, their healthcare professional, and, if applicable, their family or caregivers. The plan of care should indicate how to determine if the person has status epilepticus and what to do. A care plan needs to be kept up to date and shared with the right people. It should also include details of any rescue medication prescribed, who is trained to use it, and when it should be given.

You can download a care plan and review template from our website.

How can I get trained in emergency medicine?

If you need to give your child, family member or loved one emergency medicine, you should be shown how to use it. An epilepsy nurse or community nurse will usually give you this training. Inform the nurse if other people, e.g. B. School staff who need to give emergency medication. The nurse may also be able to train them. Schools may also be able to organize training from their school nurse or the local community nursing team.

There are a number of training providers that offer emergency medicine training. Contact the Epilepsy Action Helpline for a list of training providers.

More resources

Sample treatment plans for buccal midazolam and rectal diazepam are available upon request from the Epilepsy Action Helpline.

The manufacturers of Buccolam and Epistatus have websites with instructions and videos showing how to administer their products.

Great Ormond Street Hospital has written a pamphlet about giving children an enema with paraldehyde and olive oil (in the butt).

If you would like to see this information with references, please contact Epilepsy Action Info_Requests_Helpline

Seizures in patients with Batten disease are characterized by a variety of behaviors, but not all abnormal behavior is necessarily a seizure. Seizures are usually unpredictable and episodic. They can last from a few seconds to a few minutes and have similar symptoms.

In most cases, seizures occur suddenly without warning. In some cases, however, they are preceded by warning signs — symptoms experienced by the patient that are less severe than a seizure. The patient is usually conscious and aware of such warning symptoms.

Types of Seizure Warning Signs

There are two types of seizure warning signs: those that appear in the years leading up to the first “full-blown” seizure, and; the signs that appear just before a seizure.

Seizure warning signs before the first “full-blown” seizures

Some patients with Batten disease may have warning signs months or years before the first “full-blown” attack occurs. These warning signs may include feeling “weird,” dizzy, or twitching and twitching for several years. Other signs include fainting, headache, vomiting, loss of feeling in certain parts of the body, daydreaming and fainting.

Seizure warning sign before every seizure

Some, but not all, patients with Batten disease have warning signs whenever an attack is imminent. Also known as auras, these seizure warning signs range from headaches to seeing colors.

Some patients describe unusual smells, tastes, or feelings that could not be described. Other patients report unusual experiences such as “out-of-body” sensations, a feeling of detachment, or a change in their body’s appearance. Some patients may feel they have had a particular experience in the past known as “déjà vu”. Other warning signs that precede seizures include daydreaming, jerky movements of an arm, leg, or body, dizziness or confusion, periods of forgetfulness, tingling or numbness in any part of the body, and unexplained sleepiness or weakness.

What to do

These warning signs can be noted, tracked, and then used by the healthcare team to treat and care for the patient. Any time a patient experiences seizure warning signs, he or she should try to reach a safe place before the seizure begins. The patient can also let other people around them know what is going on. The patient should follow a seizure management plan and have the appropriate medication or intervention available if a seizure occurs.

***

Batten Disease News is a news and information website about the disease only. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with questions about any medical condition. Never disregard or delay in seeking professional medical advice because you have read something on this website.

Diagnosis of epilepsy and seizure disorders in adults

The specialists at NYU Langone’s Comprehensive Epilepsy Center have the resources and experience to diagnose the different types of epilepsy and seizure disorders that occur in both adults and children.

A seizure is an excessive increase in electrical activity in the brain that can cause a variety of symptoms, depending on the part of the brain affected. Symptoms can include a sudden and involuntary twitching of a hand, arm, or the entire body. People having a seizure may describe smelling like burnt rubber, having an odd feeling in their stomach, hearing a ringing that gets louder, or staring into space.

The term “seizure disorder” is often used interchangeably with “epilepsy”. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causes a person to have two or more unprovoked seizures more than 24 hours apart. “Unprovoked” means that the seizures are not caused by a clear cause, such as B. Alcohol withdrawal, heart problems, or hypoglycemia when a person has extremely low blood sugar levels.

Seizures can be the result of genetics or conditions such as brain trauma, tumors, dementia, or stroke. Often the cause is unknown.

Seizures can last from a few seconds to several minutes. Some people may have an aura or warning symptoms just before an attack begins. An aura can contain smells, emotions or mental experiences such as B. a feeling of déjà vu or out-of-body feelings.

An aura can also produce visual changes, such as B. blind or dark spots, bright lights, or a distortion of the shape or size of objects. A person may hear noises or voices, or feel disconnected from their body.

Anyone of any age can develop epilepsy and seizures. Epilepsy is more common in young children and in people over the age of 55. Three million people in the United States suffer from epilepsy.

History and physical examination

Because doctors rarely observe a person’s seizures, they take a detailed and accurate medical history to diagnose epilepsy and differentiate it from other conditions.

Epilepsy specialists at NYU Langone perform a physical exam and ask questions about a seizure, including the following:

How did the seizure start? Was there a trigger?

How long did the seizure last?

Was the episode preceded by lack of sleep or unusual stress?

Was the person who had the seizure recently ill?

Has this person taken any medication, including over-the-counter medication, alcohol, or illegal drugs?

What was the person doing immediately before the seizure? Has the person been lying down, sitting, standing, rising from a lying position, or exercising?

Has the person lost consciousness or is mentally or physically impaired?

What type of movements were involved—for example, jerking, automatic chewing or hand movements, eye blinking, head turning to one side, loss of bladder control, or tongue biting?

Did the person fall asleep or get confused after the seizure?

Having a family member record information about a seizure can help your doctor confirm it was a seizure and determine the type.

Because a seizure can be caused by a medical disorder, a physical exam is an important part of the initial consultation. Examination and the results of certain laboratory tests can tell your doctor whether the liver, kidneys, and other organ systems are functioning properly.

A doctor also uses other diagnostic tools, including the following, to determine if a person has epilepsy.

Neurological examination

This test can help doctors determine if brain function is impaired. During a neurological exam, an NYU Langone neurologist evaluates mental functions, such as: B. the ability to remember words and name objects.

He or she then assesses your perception, strength, sensation, reflexes, gait and coordination. This helps doctors see patterns of weakness or loss of sensitivity and spot subtle signs of a neurological problem.

Our doctors may order one or more of the following imaging tests to help diagnose epilepsy and seizure disorders.

Electroencephalography

If a doctor suspects epilepsy is causing your symptoms, he or she may order an electroencephalogram or EEG. This tool is the most specific test to diagnose epilepsy as it records the electrical activity of the brain.

The EEG is a safe and painless procedure in which electrodes are placed on the scalp with a special paste or removable adhesive. The electrodes are connected by wires to an EEG machine, which records electrical activity in the brain for 20 to 40 minutes.

Because the room is quiet and often dimly lit, you may fall asleep during a routine EEG. This is great for diagnosis because an EEG, which measures brain activity while you’re awake and asleep, can provide additional information.

During the EEG, a technician may ask you to open and close your eyes several times, shine flashing lights in your eyes, or ask you to breathe quickly or deeply. Sometimes a doctor will ask you to stay awake the night before the EEG is done. Sleep deprivation can increase the likelihood that epilepsy waves or electrical activity suggestive of epilepsy can be recorded on the EEG.

Ambulatory electroencephalography

Sometimes the results of a routine EEG are normal or show only minor, nonspecific findings. In some people, electrical activity suggestive of epilepsy occurs only once every few hours or after several hours of sleep, and a routine EEG may not be able to detect it. Your doctor may want a longer record that includes long periods of wakefulness and sleep.

An ambulatory EEG can record up to 72 hours of brain activity using a special recorder that is slightly larger than a smartphone. With this recorder you can go about your normal routine. It can be worn at the waist with the wire running either under or outside your shirt.

The ambulatory EEG can take 24 to 72 hours. Your doctor may ask you to keep a diary of your activities during the testing period. Most recorders have an “event” button that you can press if you experience symptoms of a seizure, such as: B. “Absent” or confused.

Video Electroencephalography

Video EEG monitoring allows the doctor to see your behavior and brain activity. Simultaneous access to audio-video and EEG data allows your doctor to correlate seizure activity in the brain with your symptoms and actions during the seizure.

With the video EEG, your doctor can confirm whether you are having an epileptic seizure and, if so, what type and location in the brain you have.

Video EEG recordings can be used both in the hospital and at home. When you are in the hospital, technicians can better maintain recording quality and doctors can safely reduce medication or reduce sleep to increase the likelihood of recording epilepsy waves or seizures.

MRI scans

A doctor may order an MRI scan, which uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create computerized two- or three-dimensional images to better see the structure of the brain. The scans can show problems that may be causing the seizures. MRIs provide the most detailed and accurate images of the brain.

CT scans

A CT scan is a type of X-ray that creates detailed images of tissues and internal organs. CT scans can help doctors identify brain abnormalities that could be causing seizures, such as scar tissue, tumors, or malformed blood vessels. They can also detect problems with the circulation of spinal fluid.

CT scans aren’t as detailed as MRI scans, but they’re quick and can be helpful in emergencies. They are also used when MRI scans are not recommended, such as in people using certain medical devices or metal implants.

Single photon emission CT scans

Single photon emission CT (SPECT) is an imaging technique that shows blood flow in the brain.

During the test, a small amount of a radioactive compound is injected into a person’s arm. This material flows to different regions of the brain and the particles it ejects are measured. A large amount of particles indicates increased blood flow in a specific area.

The results of the test are displayed as an image on a computer monitor, with different colors representing different levels of blood flow. If the scan is done during or immediately after a seizure, it can show increased blood flow in the area of ​​the brain where the seizure occurred.

Computers can compare a baseline SPECT scan with one obtained immediately after a seizure to better show where in the brain the seizure originated.

PET scans

In a PET scan, small amounts of radioactive glucose, or sugar, are injected intravenously to create a detailed image of the brain. It allows a doctor to see blood flow, brain cell activity, and how well the brain is metabolizing sugar.

This helps your doctor determine how well the brain is functioning and identify the area of ​​the brain where focal seizures are occurring. Areas that use less sugar are often the same parts of the brain where these seizures occur.

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy scans

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy uses an MRI machine to analyze the molecular components of tissue in a specific area of ​​the brain. This helps doctors distinguish a seizure from another condition, such as a metabolic disorder, tumor, or stroke. It also gives doctors another way to see the tissue where seizures are occurring.

Functional MRI scans

Functional MRI uses a standard MRI machine to measure changes in oxygen and blood flow to a specific area of ​​the brain while a person performs specific tasks.

During this test, the doctor may ask you to perform a task repeatedly, such as B. reading a short passage, speaking simple words or moving your thumb. The brain area used for each task is then highlighted on the scan.

By analyzing this data, doctors can pinpoint areas of the brain essential to language, memory, or motor skills, which is important when people are considering surgical treatment for seizures.

magnetoencephalography

Magnetoencephalography is an imaging technique used to identify and analyze brain activity. For this purpose, magnetic fields generated in the brain are recorded and measured.

Detectors placed near the head record magnetic waves between seizures, which are then mapped in three dimensions on an MRI or CT scan of a person’s brain. This test can help doctors focus on the part of the brain where the seizure is happening and look at it in three dimensions. It can also help map the areas of the brain responsible for movement, sensory function, and language.

The three seizure phases are defined as:

initial phase

prodrome stage

During the prodromal stage, some people can tell when a seizure is imminent. You may notice some early signs hours or even days before the onset of the attack. Not all people experience this phase. Some common signs can be:

mood swings

fear

dizziness

Difficulty sleeping

Difficulty staying focused

behavior changes.

aura

Auras are generally thought of as an early part of the seizure. Symptoms of an aura can be:

Déjà vu (a feeling that something has happened before, when in fact it hasn’t happened)

Jamais vu (a feeling of seeing something you know well for the first time)

Strange smells, sounds, or tastes

dizziness

visual difficulties

Numbness or tingling in parts of the body

nausea

headache

panic

feelings of intense fear

Sometimes a person may have an aura that does not progress into a more severe or prolonged seizure. Some people experience no aura at all, and their seizure has no early warning signs.

Middle (ictal) phase

The middle (ictal) stage of a seizure is called the ictal phase. It is the time from the first symptom to the end of seizure activity. During this time, intense electrical activity takes place in the brain. Some common signs of this phase are:

loss of consciousness

memory lapse

feeling confused

difficulty hearing

Strange smells, sounds, or tastes

Difficulty speaking or pronouncing strange words

Pull out

loss of muscle control

Repetitive movements (like smacking or chewing)

body cramps

racing heart

difficulty breathing

Terminating (postictal) phase

The final postictal stage occurs after the active (ictal) portion of the seizure. This is the recovery phase and it is during this phase that any physical after-effects of the seizure are felt. The type of seizure and the part of the brain that is affected determine how long it takes for a person to return to their usual self.

Some common signs of this phase are:

confusion

lack of awareness

tiredness (fatigue)

exhaustion

headache

Loss of bladder or bowel control

fear and worry

frustration

shame or embarrassment

thirst

nausea

Muscle cramp

weakness in parts of the body

Injuries (head, cuts, broken bones)

Once the seizure is over, some people may remember having had one, remember part of it, or not remember it at all.

Cymraeg

This page tells you what to do if you see someone is having a tonic-clonic or focal seizure. We explain how you can help and when to call an ambulance.

Tonic-clonic (convulsive) seizures

Tonic-clonic seizures are the type of seizures that most people recognize. They used to be called grand mal seizures. Someone who is having a tonic-clonic seizure becomes stiff, loses consciousness, falls to the floor, and begins to convulse or convulse. They may turn blue around the mouth due to irregular breathing. Sometimes they lose control of their bladder or bowels and bite their tongue or mouth.

Here’s how you can help if you see someone having a tonic-clonic seizure.

Do:

Protect them from injury (remove nearby harmful objects)

Pad your head

Look for an epilepsy card or identity jewelry – it may tell you about your seizures and what to do

Time how long the seizure lasts

Once the twitching has stopped, assist breathing by gently lowering them into the recovery position (see image).

Stay with them until they fully recover

Be quiet reassuring

Not:

Don’t hold back their movements

Don’t put anything in their mouths

Don’t try to move them unless they are in danger

Do not give them anything to eat or drink until they have fully recovered

Don’t try to turn them over

Call an ambulance if any of these things apply:

You know it’s her first seizure

The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes

You have one tonic-clonic seizure after another without regaining consciousness between seizures

They are seriously injured in the confiscation

You have trouble breathing after the seizure stops

focal seizures

You may also refer to this type of seizure as a partial seizure. Someone having a partial seizure may be unaware of their surroundings or what they are doing. They may exhibit unusual movements and behaviors, such as B. tugging at their clothes, smacking their lips, swallowing repeatedly, or wandering about.

Here’s how you can help if you see someone is having a focal seizure.

Do:

Guide them away from hazards (e.g. roads or open water)

Stay with them until recovery is complete

Be quiet reassuring

Explain anything you may have overlooked

Not:

Don’t hold her back

Don’t behave in a way that might startle them, such as B. by abrupt movements or screaming

Don’t assume they know what’s happening or what happened

Do not give them anything to eat or drink until they have fully recovered

Don’t try to turn them over

Call an ambulance if any of these things apply:

You know it’s her first seizure

The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes

You have seizure after seizure without regaining consciousness between seizures

They are seriously injured in the confiscation

seizures in a wheelchair

If a person with epilepsy uses a wheelchair or has mobility problems, their family doctor or epilepsy specialist should provide them with a treatment plan. This should include advice on how to help the person when they have a seizure.

Here is some general advice on how to help someone who is having a wheelchair seizure.

Do:

Apply the brakes to prevent the chair from moving

Have them sit in the chair during the seizure (unless they have a care plan that says to move them). Moving them could potentially cause injury to you and them

If you have a seat belt or harness on, leave it on

If they don’t have a seat belt or harness, gently support them so they don’t fall out of the chair

Pad your head and gently support it. A headrest, pillow, or rolled-up coat may help

Time how long the seizure lasts

The person’s care plan should provide advice on what to do after the seizure is over. For example, it should say if it is safe to move her out of the wheelchair to place her in the recovery position.

Not:

Don’t hold back their movements

Don’t put anything in their mouths

Do not give them anything to eat or drink until they have fully recovered

Don’t try to turn them over

Call an ambulance if any of these things apply:

You know it’s her first seizure

The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes

You have one seizure after another without regaining consciousness between seizures

They are seriously injured in the confiscation

seizures in the water

Visit our Sports and Recreation page to learn what to do if someone has a seizure while swimming.

Learn more about seizures

Take our short online learning module to learn about different types of seizures and what to do when someone has one.

Order first aid information from Epilepsy Action’s shop.

First aid information in other languages

Beth i’w wneud pan fydd rhywun yn profi trawiad (Welsh)

Środek pierwszej pomocy w przypadku napadów drgawkowych (Polish)

مرض کے دورہ کے لیے ابتدائی طبی امداد (Urdu)

Premiers secours pour des crises d’épilepsie (French)

First aid for seizures

Primeros auxilios para convulsiones (Spanish)

Don’t put anything in their mouths. Contrary to popular myth, you can’t swallow your tongue during a seizure. But putting something in their mouth could damage their teeth or they could bite you. If the head doesn’t move, turn it to the side.

Check your watch at the beginning of the seizure so you can measure its duration. Keep in mind that this is unlikely to be an emergency, although it may appear so.

After the twitching stops, gently lay him on his side to keep his airway clear.

For milder seizures, such as B. a little stiff or trembling arms or legs, guide the person away from hazards such as traffic, stairs and water.

Do not leave someone who has had a seizure alone. Stay until they know exactly where they are and can react normally when you talk to them. speak calmly If they are confused or scared, calm them down and explain what they missed. Do not give them anything to drink or eat until they have fully recovered.

About one in 26 Americans will develop epilepsy at some point in their life and as a result may not be able to drive. Public transport can be an important resource for people with epilepsy – to help them stay active and connected to their community. Because a passenger can experience a seizure while using public transport, it’s important to know the warning signs of seizures and be prepared to respond appropriately. This is particularly important for public transport operators.

The Easter Seals Project ACTION and the Epilepsy Foundation recently released a pocket guide titled Seizure Disorder Awareness for Transportation Operators & Customers that provides transportation operators and customers with tips and information about driving and seizure safety.

Signs of seizures

Epilepsy, also known as seizure disorders, is a neurological disorder. Seizures can be thought of as electrical overloads in the brain and can take many forms. Some are brief and barely noticeable, while others present as spasms that can be upsetting to those who see people have them. Some common behaviors that occur during a seizure are:

Stare ahead without responding to verbal commands or conversation.

loss of consciousness, loss of consciousness or confusion.

Limb stiffness and/or tremors in the limbs – this is also known as a spasm.

Experiencing a change in emotional state.

Inappropriate fiddling and/or fiddling with objects.

Using inappropriate language or agitated aggressive behavior.

fall.

useful information

Dispelling the myth that a person can swallow their tongue during a seizure is one of the important epilepsy facts that transit companies should know. The Epilepsy Foundation recommends never putting objects, such as pens or a wallet, in a person’s mouth while they are having a seizure. The objects can injure the person’s teeth and gums. It’s best to turn the person on their side to reduce the chance of inhaling saliva. However, do not risk injury to the person if it is difficult to turn them onto their side. After the seizure, have the person lie on their side until they are ready to get up.

How to answer

Some people can become agitated and combative during and after seizures. They are not aware of what they are doing. Restlessness can occur when a person becomes confused during or after a seizure. Do not force the person having the seizure. Remain calm and remove items from the immediate area that could injure the person, such as strollers and packages. Try to guide the person to a safe position. Once the seizure is over and the person is fully awake, help them into a resting position.

People who experience a seizure on public transport may not be asked to leave the vehicle or may be denied a ride. If you are an operator, see the U.S. Department of Transportation’s regulations for Americans with disabilities and your agency’s service policies for more information. There is no reason why a person who has fully recovered from a seizure cannot remain on the bus until they arrive at their destination. If the person is traveling with a service animal, the service animal should stay with the person and is protected by the ADA.

For questions about seizure disorders, ADA, and service to people with disabilities, contact the Epilepsy Foundation at (800) 332-1000 or Easter Seals Project ACTION at (800) 659-6428.

Seizure Detection and First Aid certification training provides information to improve the knowledge, skills, and confidence in detecting seizures and administering seizure first aid safely. The first aid measures in the course correspond to the current state of knowledge and current best practices. Participants who successfully complete the course receive a two-year certification. The course lasts approximately 90 minutes.

There are two ways you can get seizure first aid certification: