Epilepsy in schools: how to deal with a tonic clonic seizureUK charity Epilepsy Action has launched a free online learning course for schools. The new course is designed to help teachers, SENCOs and school support staff learn more about epilepsy and how they can support pupils with the condition. http://www.epilepsy.org.uk/schools
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It happens when there is an overproduction of electrical activity in the brain. “Seizures can occur for many different reasons, sometimes from metabolic problems, or even medications could cause a seizure on an isolated basis, or even toxic chemicals could cause a seizure,” explained Dr. John Sullivan, a neurologist on the medical staff of Lee Health.
But if a patient has a seizure, it doesn’t mean they have epilepsy. “Epilepsy is defined as having multiple unprovoked seizures,” he said.
There are many different types of seizures, just like there are many different types of epilepsy. To determine the difference and the cause, patients may undergo a series of testing including an MRI and EEG screening. “The EEG is particularly helpful to see electrically where in the brain the seizure could be coming from,” said Dr. Sullivan.
A physical examination, a detailed medical history, and diagnostic testing can help physicians diagnose and treat the problem. “They are treated differently. Commonly, if we find there is a provoking occurrence, simply removing the provoking occurrence is enough to cause the seizures to go away, or if we need to use medication if it truly is an epilepsy syndrome,” said Dr. Sullivan.
Approximately 3 and a half million people in the U.S. have epilepsy; whereas, studies show one in 10 people may develop a seizure in life. “Folks who do have epilepsy, true epilepsy, the risks of reoccurrence of seizures can be quite high. Most all of those patients do require medical care and medication to try to control those seizures,” Dr. Sullivan said.
Surgery may also be an option for patients. If a person experiences a seizure, it’s important they seek medical care to determine the cause.
Most Common Types of Seizures"Epilepsy is the Greek word for seizure disorder," says Dr. Jose Colon, a pediatric neurologist with Lee Memorial Health System.
Seizures have been recognized as a medical condition for centuries, but they are not one-size fits all. In fact, they can present in extremely different forms.
"The one that most people know about are the generalized tonic-clonic seizures, or Grand Mal seizures, and what that is it's a full body convulsion," says Dr. Colon.
In a clonic-tonic seizure, the patient generally loses consciousness and collapses. It's characterized by stiffening of the body, which is the tonic phase. About a minute later it's followed by violent jerking, which is the clonic phase. It's a stark contrast to the absence seizure.
Absence seizures affect mostly children and last just a few seconds. There is a brief loss of consciousness, which can almost go unnoticed. Someone suffering one of these seizures looks like they've zoned out.
"They can have a moment in time where it appears that somebody is not paying attention, but what's happening is that they have a seizure going on in their head. Many times this can happen multiple times a day, sometimes hundreds of times in a day," says Dr. Colon.
The next most common seizure is the myoclonic, characterized by sporadic jerks on both sides of the body. Followed by atonic, which is when the patient has a sudden loss of muscle function. Seizures can originate for any number of reasons.
"Sometimes it can be a genetic predisposition towards having seizure disorders. Sometimes it can be a symptom of cerebral palsy or a prior brain injury or other genetic disorders. There are some things that can make a seizure more likely to come out. Sleep deprivation is a very good one," says Dr. Colon.
A doctor with experience in seizure disorders is best suited to make a diagnosis. There are medications and even surgery that is helpful in controlling or eliminating these unexpected seizures.
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