Seizures, disturbances of electrical activity in the brain.

Seizures are disturbances of electrical activity in the brain. This condition is often characterized by uncontrolled body movements and loss of consciousness. Seizures can be a sign of disease in the brain, or other conditions that affect brain function.

Society tends to assume, seizures are always characterized by a body that shakes uncontrollably. This assumption is not quite right, because in some conditions, seizures only cause symptoms in the form of blank eyes.

Seizures tend to last briefly, between 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Seizures that last longer than 2 minutes are classified as emergency conditions, so they need immediate medical attention.

Causes of Seizures

Seizures are caused by disruption in electrical activity, in one or all areas of the brain. The disorder can be triggered by diseases in the brain, or other conditions that indirectly affect brain function. The following are some conditions that can cause seizures:

Disorders of the brain

Epilepsy

Brain tumor

Stroke

Meningitis (infection of the lining of the brain)

Encephalitis (brain infection)

Brain injury to the baby while passing through the birth canal

Head injury that causes bleeding in the brain

Cerebral palsy or cerebral palsy

Conditions that affect the brain

Heart disease

Preeclampsia

High fever

Uncontrolled high blood pressure

Electrolyte disturbance

Symptoms of withdrawal

Blood sugar levels are not normal

Accumulation of toxins in the body due to liver failure or kidney failure

The sting or bite of a poisonous animal

Got electric shock

Seizure Symptoms

Seizures are often characterized by muscle contractions, accompanied by jerking movements throughout the body. But actually, the symptoms of seizures are not always like that. Seizures can only show blank eyes.

Symptoms that appear depend on the area of ​​the brain affected and its severity. In seizures involving one area of ​​the brain, symptoms include:

Impaired sensation in vision, hearing, or smell.

Repeated movements, like a roundabout.

Jerking on one arm or leg.

Mood swings.

Dizzy.

Tingling sensation.

Whereas in seizures that affect all parts of the brain, symptoms that appear can be:

The rigid body then continues with jerking movements throughout the body.

Jerking in the face, neck and hands.

The muscle loses control, so that it can make the sufferer suddenly fall.

Stiff muscles, especially in the back and legs.

A blank view in one direction.

Eyes blink fast.

There are also other symptoms that often accompany seizures, namely:

A moment of decreased consciousness, then confused when conscious because they do not remember what happened.

Changes in behavior.

Foamy mouth or drooping.

The breathing stopped temporarily.

Seizure symptoms rarely last long. Usually the symptoms only last for a few seconds to several minutes. Before seizures appear, there are often other symptoms that can be used as a warning, such as feeling afraid or angry, nausea, vertigo, or like there is a flash of light in the eye.

When to see a doctor

Immediately consult a doctor if there are the following conditions:

First time having a seizure

Awareness does not recover after the seizure is over

The seizure lasts more than 2 minutes

Repeated seizures

Sufferers also suffer from diabetes

Moderate fever when seizures occur

Diagnosis of Seizures

Doctors can make sure someone has a seizure by directly seeing the symptoms experienced by patients, or from the information of others who see the seizure.

To find out the cause of the seizure, the doctor will then carry out the following examination:

Imaging tests, such as MRI or CT scan.

Examination of brain fluid samples through a lumbar puncture test.

Measurement of electrical activity of the brain called electroencephalography (EEG).

Blood sample test.

How to deal with seizures

To deal with seizures, the doctor will first give anti-seizure drugs, so that the patient's condition returns stable. The type and dosage of anticonvulsant medications given may vary from patient to patient.

After the cause of the seizure is known, the doctor will provide treatment according to the cause. Handling provided includes medicines, surgery to correct abnormalities in the brain, and the implanting of special devices to regulate electrical conductivity in the brain.

For sufferers of seizures due to epilepsy, neurologists will also advise patients to undergo a diet high in fat and low in carbohydrates, which is called the ketogenic diet. The ketogenic diet is believed to prevent or reduce seizures in epilepsy, especially for children.

First Treatment for Seizures

Sufferers can be injured or injured during a seizure. If people around you experience seizures, take the following steps to avoid injury:

Lay the patient in a safe place and keep away from dangerous objects or sharp objects.

Do not use violence to hold back patient movements.

Use a pillow or other mat to support the patient's head.

Do not put anything in the patient's mouth during a seizure.

Loosen tight clothing, especially around the sufferer's neck.

Tilt the sufferer's head. If the person vomits, the oblique position will prevent vomiting from entering the lungs.

Immediately call for medical assistance or help from other people around.

Accompany the patient until the seizure stops or until the medical officer arrives.

After the seizure stops, lay the patient on his side. Then, check the breathing movements and pulse of the patient. Give CPR, if needed.

Complications of Seizures

In some conditions, seizures can result in dangerous injuries. For example, sufferers may experience drowning due to seizures while swimming or have an accident due to seizures while driving. In addition, if seizures occur while eating or right after eating, then food can enter the wrong channels and cause aspiration pneumonia.

People with seizures also often experience mental disorders, such as irritability and depression. These conditions can occur due to seizures that are difficult to overcome, or due to side effects of using anti-seizure drugs.

Convulsions that occur during pregnancy can be dangerous for both mother and fetus. Certain types of anticonvulsant drugs can also increase the risk of babies experiencing birth problems. Consult with your obstetrician to provide safe drugs for pregnant women and the fetus. In addition, fetal development must also be monitored regularly.

How to Prevent Seizures

In many cases, seizures cannot be prevented. However, the risk of seizures can be reduced by leading a healthy life, such as:

Get enough rest

Eating foods with balanced nutrition

Exercise regularly

Manage stress well

Steer clear of drugs

Take medicine according to doctor's advice

Ways to Prevent Injury during a Seizure

As previously said, seizures can result in injuries that are dangerous to the sufferer. Therefore, if seizures occur frequently, the following steps can be taken to avoid injury:

Do not swim or soak in the tub when alone.

Not riding a vehicle.

Complete chairs and tables at home with soft cushioning.

Put a thick carpet on the floor.

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