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Epilepsy & Seizures 101: Presentation By: Myeshi Briley
Epilepsy & Seizures 101: Presentation By: Myeshi Briley
101
Presentation by: Myeshi Briley
Partial seizure
Involves only part of the brain; may or may
not include loss of consciousness
Symptoms relate to the part of the brain affected
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
Seizure Triggers
Missed medication (#1 reason)
Stress/anxiety
Hormonal changes
Dehydration
Lack of sleep/extreme fatigue
Photosensitivity
Drug/alcohol use; drug interactions
First Aid for Seizures
Clinical Assessment
Patient history
Tests (blood, EEG, CT, MRI or PET scans)
Neurologic exam
ID of seizure type
Clinical evaluation
to look for causes
Treatment Goals in Epilepsy
Help person with epilepsy lead full and
productive life
Abnormal EEG
Previous seizure Single seizure
Partial seizure No history
Driver Neurologically
Other neurologic impairment normal
Young age
Elderly
Side effects
Types of Treatment
Medication
Surgery
Non-pharmacologic treatment
Ketogenic diet
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS)
Lifestyle modifications
Factors That Affect the
Choice of Drug
Consistent use
Inadequate dosage or ineffective medication
Drug factors
Disease Seizures do
not
respond (20%)
Seizures eliminated
(50% of people)
Seizures
markedly
reduced (30%)
Tolerating Medications
Device is implanted to
control seizures by
delivering electrical
stimulation to the vagus
nerve in the neck, which
relays impulses to
widespread areas of the
brain
Used to treat partial
seizures when medication
does not work Courtesy of Cyberonics 2007
Ketogenic Diet
Hormonal effects
Hormonal changes during puberty, menopause, and
the monthly cycle may affect seizure frequency
Polycystic ovary syndrome
Sexuality & contraception
Sexual dysfunction
Birth control pills may be less effective
Pregnancy & motherhood
Need to continue medication
Slight increased risk for birth defects
Epilepsy in Older Adults
Partial Generalized
Simple Complex Absence Convulsive
Consciousnes Consciousness Characterized by
Altered muscle
s is lost or
awareness contractions
is maintained impaired
with or without
loss
of consciousness
Tools to Confirm the Diagnosis of
Epilepsy
EEG
Imaging Scans
Epilepsy in Infants & Young Children
Handling feelings
Family relationships
Safety
School and childcare
Developmental stages
Epilepsy in Teens & Young Adults
Assuming responsibility
Dealing with feelings
Friends and social pressures
School
Driving
Drinking
Dating
Employment
Other Treatment Approaches
Behavioral therapy
Biofeedback
Relaxation
Positive reinforcement
Cognitive therapy
Aromatherapy
National and Community Resources