A.  Seizure safety tips

Special care should be observed for those with epilepsy or seizure disorder.

• Do not swim or bathe alone
• Showers are okay, but make sure there is not a large pool of water in the basin of the shower or tub (to avoid drowning)
• Do not climb or work at heights (i.e. climbing a ladder or working on a roof)
• Do not operate heavy machinery
• Do not operate a motor vehicle, unless you have been seizure-free for at least six months (per Florida Statute) http://www.doh.state.fl.us/family/epilepsy/Driving.html

B. Types of seizures

Seizure types are classified by the site of origin in the brain. Two main categories of seizures are Partial (Focal)Seizures and Generalized Seizures.

1. Partial seizures involve a localized area in one hemisphere of the brain, and are categorized as simple or complex.

a. During a simple partial seizure, the abnormal neural activity occurs in only one area of the brain and does not alter consciousness or awareness. The person having the seizure is aware of what is happening, and generally experiences an unusual emotion, sensation, or movement.

Types of experiences in a simple partial (focal) seizure  include but not limited to: seeing flashing lights, tingling in an arm or leg, jerking of a limb, feeling of fear or dread,   sensing an unpleasant odor or a rising sensation in the stomach.  This type of seizure is also known as an “aura,” and often serves as a warning that a bigger seizure  may follow.

b. During a complex partial seizure, the areas of the brain controlling awareness  are affected . Typically, a person having a complex partial seizure will have a blank stare and may perform automatic semi-purposeful movements such as lip smacking, picking at one’s clothes, or wandering about aimlessly and confused. During a complex partial seizure, a person’s ability to speak, understand, remember and respond fully is usually affected.

2. Generalized seizures occur in large areas of the brain, often in both hemispheres and may be convulsive or non-convulsive. The two most common types are tonic- clonic and absence, however other forms   exist such as myoclonic, tonic, atonic, atypical absence and clonic seizures.

a. Tonic clonic seizure is the type of convulsive seizure that most people associate with epilepsy. The seizure usually begins with the tonic phase, in which the muscles of the body stiffen. This phase is immediately followed by the clonic phase in which the limbs, body, and head begin to jerk rhythmically. A tonic clonic seizure usually lasts for 1-2 minutes, during which the individual is unconscious.

b. Absence seizures occur most often in children, usually between the ages of  4-12. However, they can also occur in adolescence and adults. This type of seizure generally lasts less than 10 seconds, and is characterized by a “glazed” or “blank” look, that begins and ends abruptly without any warning. or the eyes will roll back and the eyelids will flutter briefly. Following an absence, the  person recovers immediately and is usually able to continue the activity that they were involved in.

c. Atypical Absence seizure is similar to an absence seizure except that the seizure onset and end is more gradual and obvious to a casual observer. This seizure type often occurs in some developmentally disabled individuals who have numerous seizure types, and can occur as part of the “Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome”.

d. Myoclonic Seizure consists of a sudden, brief shock-like jerks of the face, trunk, arms and or legs without loss of consciousness. They can be isolated or occur in rapid succession.  This seizure type can be part of the syndrome of Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy or can be acquired due to brain injury.

e. Clonic Seizure is similar to a  tonic-clonic seizure except that there is no tonic component.

f. Tonic Seizure consists of forceful tonic movement of the head forward often but not always accompanied by forceful elevation and extension of the arms forward and rigid extension of the legs.

g. Atonic Seizure consists of a sudden loss of muscle tone that may consist of a momentary drop of the head, the jaw, a limb or loss of all muscle tone leading to slumping to the ground.  If consciousness is lost, it is usually brief.

C. First aid for seizures

 If you witness an individual having a seizure, you can help by following these steps:

§         Remain calm. Let the seizure take its course—do not try to stop the seizure or revive the person. If possible, note the time duration of the seizure and any different movements or behaviors.  Never forcefully restrain the person as this can result in injury such as shoulder dislocation.

§         Protect the individual from possible injury. Remove hard or sharp objects from the area, and place something soft under the head. Loosen any tight clothing, especially from the neck.

§         Do not place anything in the person’s mouth as this can cause injury to the person with the seizure. People with seizures do not swallow their tongue.

§         Roll the person on their side after the seizure is over. This will allow the saliva to drain away and helps clear the airway.

§         Stay with the person until they become reoriented. While most seizures last one to two minutes, the individual will typically feel confused or dazed for up to 15 minutes following an episode. If a seizure lasts five minutes or more, or repeats without full recovery of consciousness, seek medical attention immediately.