Myeshi Briley I

1. Epilepsy & Seizures101 Presentation by: Myeshi Briley Education Presenter for Epilepsy Foundation (2010)

3. A seizure is a brief, temporary disturbance in the electrical activity of the brainA seizure is a symptom of epilepsy

4. Who Has Epilepsy? About 3 million Americans have epilepsy Roughly 200,000 new cases of seizures and epilepsy occur each year 50% of people with epilepsy develop seizures by the age of 25; however, anyone can get epilepsy at any time Now there are as many people with epilepsy who are 60 or older as children aged 10 or younger

6. Brain tumor and stroke

7. Lead poisoning

8. Infection of brain tissue

9. Heredity

11. The risk is higher in people with certain medical conditions:

12. Mental retardation

13. Cerebral palsy

14. Alzheimer’s disease

15. Stroke

17. What Happens During a Seizure Generalized seizureInvolves the whole brain and loss of consciousness Absence: characterized by brief loss of consciousness Tonic-Clonic: characterized by rhythmic jerking of muscles Partial seizureInvolves only part of the brain; may or may not include loss of consciousness Symptoms relate to the part of the brain affected

18. Symptoms That May Indicate a Seizure Disorder Periods of blackout or confused memory Occasional “fainting spells” Episodes of blank staring in children Sudden falls for no apparent reason Episodes of blinking or chewing at inappropriate times A convulsion, with or without fever Clusters of swift jerking movements in babies

19. Seizure Triggers Missed medication (#1 reason) Stress/anxiety Hormonal changes Dehydration Lack of sleep/extreme fatigue Photosensitivity Drug/alcohol use; drug interactions

20. First Aid for Seizures Stay calm and track time Do not restrain the person, but help them avoid hazards Protect head, remove glasses, loosen tight neckwear Move anything hard or sharp out of the way Turn person on one side, position mouth to ground Check for epilepsy or seizure disorder ID Understand that verbal instructions may not be obeyed Stay until person is fully aware and help reorient them Call ambulance if seizure lasts more than 5 minutes or if it is unknown whether the person has had prior seizures

21. Potentially Dangerous Responses to Seizure DO NOT Put anything in the person’s mouth Try to hold down or restrain the person Attempt to give oral anti-seizure medication Keep the person on their back face up throughout convulsion

22. When to Call 911 or Emergency Medical Services A convulsive seizure occurs in a person not known to have seizures or lasts more than 5 minutes A complex partial seizure lasts more than 5 minutes BEYOND its usual duration for the individual Another seizure begins before the person regains consciousness Also call if the person: Is injured or pregnant Has diabetes/other medical condition Recovers slowly Does not resume normal breathing

23. How Is Epilepsy Diagnosed? Clinical Assessment Patient history Tests (blood, EEG, CT, MRI or PET scans) Neurologic exam ID of seizure type Clinical evaluation to look for causes

24. Treatment Goals in Epilepsy Help person with epilepsy lead full and productive life Eliminate seizures without producing side effects

25. What Factors InfluenceDecision to Treat? Treatment may be appropriate: Abnormal EEG Previous seizure Partial seizure Driver Other neurologic impairment Elderly Treatment may NOT be appropriate: Single seizure No history Neurologically normal Young age Side effects

27. Surgery

28. Non-pharmacologic treatment

29. Ketogenic diet

30. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS)

32. Side effects

33. Patient age

34. Lifestyle

35. Childbearing potential

37. Inadequate dosage or ineffective medication

38. Drug factors

39. DiseaseSeizures do not respond (20%) Seizures eliminated (50% of people) Seizures markedly reduced (30%)

41. Clumsiness

42. Drowsiness

43. Irritability

44. Nausea

45. Side effects may be related to dose

47. Rash, nausea/vomiting

48. Severe sore throat

49. Mouth ulcers

50. Easy bruising

51. Pinpoint bleeding

52. Weakness

53. Fatigue

54. Swollen glands

55. Lack of appetite

57. Likelihood surgery will help

58. Ability to identify focus of seizures

59. Other treatments attempted

61. Used to treat partial seizures when medication does not work  Courtesy of Cyberonics 2007

63. Used primarily to treat severe childhood epilepsy, has been effective in some adults & adolescents

66. Hormonal changes during puberty, menopause, and the monthly cycle may affect seizure frequency

67. Polycystic ovary syndrome

68. Sexuality & contraception

69. Sexual dysfunction

70. Birth control pills may be less effective

71. Pregnancy & motherhood

72. Need to continue medication

74. Older people face increased treatment risks

76. The risk is higher in people with certain medical conditions:

77. Mental retardation

78. Cerebral palsy

79. Alzheimer’s disease

80. Stroke

84. Good parenting skills

85. Childcare

86. Effects on brothers and sisters

87. Early childhood intervention services

89. Family relationships

90. Safety

91. School and childcare

93. Dealing with feelings

94. Friends and social pressures

95. School

96. Driving

97. Drinking

98. Dating

100. Biofeedback

101. Relaxation

102. Positive reinforcement

103. Cognitive therapy

105. Local affiliates

106. Website: www.epilepsyfoundation.org

107. Medic Alert Foundation

108. Social Security Administration

109. Accreditation Council on Services for People with Disabilities

110. US Dept of Education

111. State Offices

112. Vocational Rehabilitation

113. Protection and Advocacy