Seizures Southern Pharmacy Nursing Services What are seizures

Seizures Southern Pharmacy Nursing Services

What are seizures? • Seizures are uncontrolled spasms or convulsions caused by abnormal patters of electrical activity in the brain. • Because the entire brain, or any part of the brain can be affected, there are many types of seizures with many manifestations. • Seizures are typically symptoms of a brain problem • Seizures can result from almost any type of damage to the brain including injury and infections • They arise from many disorders or events that damages the brain and stimulates unusual electrical activity. Southern Pharmacy Nursing Services

Seizures can also…. • Result from medication side effects • Be caused by developmental factors or injuries acquired during birth Southern Pharmacy Nursing Services

What happens? • The body shakes rapidly and uncontrollably • Not all seizures cause convulsions Southern Pharmacy Nursing Services

Two main groups of seizures Focal Seizures – also known as partial seizures • Happen in one part of the brain • Simple= up to 90 seconds – Do not lose consciousness but have sudden jerking and have abnormal sensations » Do not last long, they cannot be stopped and are NOT dangerous Southern Pharmacy Nursing Services

Two main groups of seizures continued • Generalized seizures- are result of abnormal activity on both sides of the brain – Complex partial – last one to two minutes – Alters a person’s consciousness • May stare or engage in random, nonsensical movements (lip smacking, picking, giggling and the person is unaware of surrounding environment) Southern Pharmacy Nursing Services

Absence seizure • Known as petit mal seizure – Usually last for 3 seconds to 10 seconds – person may have blank stare, slight blinding and then resume previous activity Southern Pharmacy Nursing Services

Generalized tonic-clonic seizure • Also known as Grand Mal Seizure – Without warning-person may cry out – Limbs become stiff – Fall – Jerk – Can last 1 -2 minutes Southern Pharmacy Nursing Services

How long do seizures last? • From 30 seconds to 2 minutes and do not cause lasting harm • If a seizures last more than 5 minutes= medical emergency • Or if the a person has several seizures and does not wake up between them = medical emergency Southern Pharmacy Nursing Services

Causes for seizures…. • • Medication side effects (Dilantin) High fevers Head injuries Certain diseases (Epilepsy)- have recurring seizures due to a brain disorder Southern Pharmacy Nursing Services

Epileptic seizure • Occurs because of an electrical short circuit in the brain Southern Pharmacy Nursing Services

Non-epileptic seizures • Is not related to electrical changes but could be the result of decreased blood flow to the brain • Could be a reaction to a drug • Imbalance in glucose or sodium levels • Tumors • Drugs or alcohol • Fever Southern Pharmacy Nursing Services

All seizures can be…. • Scary • Person will have no memory of seizure • Person may urinate or defecate on themselves • Caused by stress • Bright lights • Camera flash • Strobe lights • Loud noises Southern Pharmacy Nursing Services DFS Approval MIS 1627 2 CUE

What to do: • Do not touch person • Make surroundings safe • Time seizures Southern Pharmacy Nursing Services

Seizure prevention: • Take medications as prescribed and on time…. . • Get sleep • Decrease stress • Avoid heavy drinking or drug use Southern Pharmacy Nursing Services DFS Approval MIS 1627 2 CUE

Vagal Nerve Stimulator • Neurologist programs the VNS to deliver a • A device about the size series of stimulations to of hockey puck placed in the vagus nerve at the chest (similar to various strengths and pacemaker for the heart) frequencies • It works by repeatedly stimulating for short periods and then pauses and starts over Southern Pharmacy Nursing Services

Vagal Nerve Stimulator • A magnet is swept over the device either during the “aura of a seizure” or by a witness seeing the seizure occur. • It shortens the seizure and allows for faster recovery for the patient. • Can be used for partial and generalized onset seizures. Southern Pharmacy Nursing Services

VNS Has not been shown to be more effective treatment than any other AED • It lacks side effects other than general care Down side • NO way to tell which patients it may be effective with Southern Pharmacy Nursing Services DFS Approval MIS 1627 2 CUE

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