Seizures
One in 10 people will have at least one seizure in their life. But what is a seizure? Read below to learn more.
Embedded Files
The Brain
The Brain
Our brain cells are constantly firing (this is their way of talking to each other) to help us think, feel and move. When our brain cells over fire or "talk too much," this causes a seizure. The symptoms of a seizure depend on what part of the brain is being affected. There are many different types of seizures which are described below. After a seizure, one may feel tired from the increased brain activity.
Focal Seizures
Focal Seizures
This type of seizure occurs in one specific section of the brain. These can affect ones movement, senses, involuntary functions (ex: blood pressure), emotions or memories. One may or may not be aware of these seizures.
Absence Seizure
Absence Seizure
This type of seizure involves staring into space or rapid blinking. Typically, these are brief not lasting longer than around 30 seconds. Afterwards, one may not remember the episode at all. Absence seizures almost always start between ages 4 and 12.
Tonic Seizures
Tonic Seizures
Sudden stiffening of muscles in the body.
Generalized Seizures
Generalized Seizures
This type of seizure affects both sides of the brain. One will go through a recovery phase after experiencing this seizure. Many of the below seizures are types of generalized seizures.
Tonic-Clonic Seizures
Tonic-Clonic Seizures
AKA grand mal seizures. These typically last 1 to 3 minutes.
Muscles stiffen and body straightens out
Loss of consciousness
Tremors
Jerking/Shaking
Postictal Phase—This happens right after the seizure and typically lasts 5 to 30 minutes. During this phase, one may be tired, feel confused, notice changes in senses (such as vision) or have a bad headache.
Febrile Seizures
Febrile Seizures
This type of seizure is triggered by a fever, often occurring in children under 5 years old. These will often cause temporary changes in ones muscles whether this be muscle stiffness or convulsions.
Atonic Seizures
Atonic Seizures
Involves sudden loss of muscle tone and consciousness. This can cause someone to hurt themselves as they fall to the ground.
Myoclonic Seizures
Myoclonic Seizures
This type of seizure causes jerking movements in a muscle or group of muscles. Someone experiencing this will remain aware throughout the episode.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a disease of the brain in which at least two seizures (not caused by a known medical condition) occur 24+ hours apart or one seizure (not caused by a known medical condition) occurs with high risk of another. This is the 4th most common neurological disease.
Seizure Action Form
What do I do if someone is having a seizure?
Stay. Safe. Side.
Stay Calm—Begin timing the seizure
If seizure is longer than 5 minutes, call 911
Keep them Safe
Remove any sharp or potentially harmful objects
Do not restrain
Do not put anything in their mouth
Protect their head
Turn on their Side—if not awake
Keep airway clear
Stay with them—until fully recovered
Write down what happened during the seizure
Resources for Teachers, School Staff, Parents and Caregivers
Resources used for this page:
Boston Children's Hospital: https://www.childrenshospital.org/conditions-and-treatments/conditions/s/seizures/testing-and-diagnosis
CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/epilepsy/about/index.htm
Epilepsy Foundation: https://www.epilepsy.com/learn
Kid's Health: https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/epilepsy-def.html?ref=search
Page updated
Report abuse