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Seizure Disorders

Seizure Disorders. By : Emily Jaworski. Seizure Disorders: Defined. Seizure: temporary interruption of consciousness Occurs when the brain functions abnormally, resulting in a change of movement, attention, or level of awareness Seizure Disorder: describes symptoms, not a particular disease

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Seizure Disorders

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  1. Seizure Disorders By: Emily Jaworski

  2. Seizure Disorders: Defined • Seizure: temporary interruption of consciousness • Occurs when the brain functions abnormally, resulting in a change of movement, attention, or level of awareness • Seizure Disorder: describes symptoms, not a particular disease • Repeated seizures may indicate the ongoing condition of epilepsy

  3. Seizure Disorders: Causes • Abnormal electrical discharges/impulses in the brain • High or rapidly rising fevers • Fainting/decrease of blood flow to the brain • Brain tumors or other health problems affecting the brain • Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) • Head injuries or brain damage • Poisoning (lead, mercury, or carbon monoxide) • Drug overdose or adverse drug reaction • Often times, the cause is never discovered

  4. Seizure Disorders: Types • Febrile Seizures • Most common in young children (5 and under), especially infants (6-12 months) • Triggered by high fevers • Brief; not considered to be serious nor life-threatening • Petit Mal Seizures • Most common in children (4-10 years) • Characterized by momentary losses of attention • Usually lasts no more than 30 seconds

  5. Seizure Disorders: Types • Grand Mal Seizures • Most common form of all seizure disorders • Characterized by sudden stiffness and whole body convulsions, then a loss of consciousness • Children can experience a warning before it begins and often fall asleep when it ends • Focal Seizures • Characterized by involuntary convulsions • Begins in an extremity and spreads inward towards the rest of the body

  6. Seizure Disorders: Types • Temporal Lobe Seizures • Characterized by episodes of unusually inappropriate behavior • An aura, or warning, may occur before it begins • Syncope (Fainting Spells) • Common in children 5 years and younger • Caused by an exaggerated reflex (generally emotionally triggered) in which the intake of breath stops • Full convulsions, unconsciousness, and stiffening of the body often occurs

  7. Seizure Disorders: Management • Prevention • Learn causes and symptoms • Be aware of anyone with a known seizure disorder • Discover if any medications are being taken by someone who experiences seizures • Assistance • Place a person having a seizure on the floor, preferably on their right side, in a safe area, away from furniture or nearby objects • Loosen clothing around the head, neck, and waist • Make sure the person is breathing

  8. Seizure Disorders: Management • Assistance (con’t) • Call for emergency medical help (911) if: • The person has never had a seizure before • The seizure lasts for more than 5 minutes • The person has a known heart condition • Any poisons or medications were ingested • The person turns blue in color • Breathing has stopped or appears difficult • The person has sustained a head injury • Do NOT: • Hold the person down or attempt to restrain any movements • Open or force anything into the person’s mouth • Give food or drink to a person who has experienced a seizure until they are awake and alert

  9. Seizure Disorders: Recovery • After a seizure has occurred, monitor the person closely paying specific attention to their breathing • Notify guardians, staff, and/or health representatives • Encourage the person to rest or sleep after experiencing a seizure

  10. Seizure Disorders: In the Classroom • Become familiar with seizure disorders and responses • Use students with seizure disorders as a learning experience and encourage acceptance from classmates • Notify family members and appropriate assistance during and/or after a seizure • Document seizures for health records • Avoid surrounding children prone to seizures with sharp corners and potentially dangerous objects • Be an example by remaining calm and providing comfort to all students

  11. Seizure Disorders: As a Teacher • Facilitate programs that are safe for all children to participate, including those with seizure disorders • Provide a positive attitude • Encourage students to ask questions about seizure disorders and be informed enough to explain inquires • Learn and practice emergency response techniques • Comfort students after a seizure has occurred and help troubled individuals cope with stress or confusion

  12. References • Filloux, Fran. "seizures." (2010): n. page. Web. 26 Jan 2011. <http://kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/emergencies/seizure.html#>. • R., Lynn. Health, Safety, and Nutrition for the Young Child. 7. Clifton Park, New York: Wadsworth Pub Co, 2008.

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