WHAT IS A SEIZURE?

What is a seizure?

A seizure is considered to be a sudden outburst of
uncontrollable electrical activity from the neurons
in the brain. Involuntary contraction of muscles
usually occur and last for a short period. Seizures
may vary in duration and frequency.

Types of seizures

Generalized ( grand mal ) seizure - can be seen
when a patient has sudden, jerky movements
throughout the body. A patient may fall to the
ground and have loss of consciousness. Types
of generalized seizures include: tonic, clonic
and myotonic.

A partial (focal ) seizure, is also sudden and
confined to one part of the body.

Postictal - following a seizure, a patient may
 stay in a stuporous state for some minutes.

EEG ( Electroencephalogram) A diagnostic test ,
which is done to monitor seizure activity. This
test is usually ordered by the doctor.

Patient safety during a seizure

When a seizure occurs, patient safety should

 be a major concern. A patient who has a 
history of seizures, should already be on
anticonvulsant medications. 
A "seizure precations " sign is usually
posted over the bed.

Here are some helpful hints:

- Follow MD orders

- Protect the patient from harm

- Maintaining a patent airway; turn head to the side, if necessary,
  to prevent airway obstruction

- Keeping bed rails up , to prevent the patient falling out of bed

- Monitoring duration and character of seizure

- After seizure, assessment and documentation of, vital signs, O2 saturation,

- notifying MD of patient status

 

It is important to protect the seizure patient from falling and getting injured.