Seizures

Health

Seizures

A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain that can cause changes in behavior, movement, or consciousness. Seizures can vary in severity and duration, from brief lapses in awareness, stares, to full-body convulsions. In some cases, seizures may occur as part of an ongoing condition, such as epilepsy, while in others they may be triggered by temporary factors.

Why Is This Important for People with ID/DD?

Seizures can be particularly challenging for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities as they may have difficulty communicating their symptoms, experiencing seizure triggers, or managing the aftermath. People with ID/DD are also at higher risk of complications from seizures, including cognitive decline and emotional distress.

PREVENTION

  • Circumstances That Might Provoke a Seizure: Seizures can be triggered by a variety of factors including severe high blood pressure, high fever, drug use, sleep deprivation, low blood sugar, alcohol withdrawal, hormonal changes, flashing lights, emotional stress, overheating, and dehydration.
  • Avoid Known Triggers: Certain factors like flashing lights, specific sounds, menstruation for females, or alcohol can trigger seizures.
  • Know Your Warning Signs: Some individuals may have pre-seizure warning signs (aura), such as dizziness, a strange taste, or numbness. Recognizing these signs allows individuals to prepare by moving away from hazards or seeking help.
  • Shower Instead of Bathing: Water-related accidents can be fatal if a seizure occurs in the bath. It is safer for individuals at risk of seizures to shower, and using a shower chair can help reduce the risk of falls.
  • Beware of Heat: Extreme heat and dehydration can increase the risk of seizures. Caregivers should ensure that the individual stays hydrated and avoids overheating.
  • Practice Good Sleep Hygiene: Lack of sleep can increase seizure risk. Establishing a regular sleep schedule and ensuring adequate rest is important for seizure prevention.
  • Treat Fevers: High fevers, particularly during illness, can trigger seizures. Promptly treating fevers, especially in individuals with known seizure disorders, can help reduce this risk.
  • Manage Stress: Stress can trigger seizures in some individuals. It can also contribute to other seizure risk factors like dehydration or lack of sleep, so finding ways to manage stress is beneficial.
  • Medication Support: Anticonvulsant medications are important in reducing the frequency of seizures. Ensuring that medications are taken as prescribed is vital.
  • Document All Seizures: Keeping a detailed record of each seizure can provide valuable information for a neurologist or health care professional. Include details like the time, duration, type of seizure, and any possible triggers or warning signs. This documentation helps to adjust care plans and identify patterns for better management.

Helpful to Know

Complications of Seizures

  • Emotional Distress: People with epilepsy or seizure disorders may be at higher risk for depression or anxiety due to the unpredictability and fear associated with seizures.
  • Cognitive Decline: Frequent or prolonged seizures may contribute to memory loss or cognitive issues over time.
  • Status Epilepticus: A condition where a seizure lasts for an extended period or multiple seizures occur without recovery in between. This requires immediate medical intervention.

 

Seizure Care Safety

  • Seek Medical Help When Necessary: After a seizure, if the individual is not breathing, has sustained a significant injury, or if it is their first seizure, immediate medical attention is necessary (call 911).
  • Recognize Situational Hazards: Certain activities may be more dangerous for individuals with seizure disorders. For example, stairs or other elevated areas should be monitored carefully to prevent falls during or after a seizure.
  • Monitor Environmental Risks: It is crucial to identify potential hazards in the environment that could lead to injury during a seizure. Caregivers should be alert to the risk of falls, collisions with furniture, or walking into traffic, and make necessary adjustments to the environment to reduce risks.
  • Prevent Choking or Aspiration: Individuals may vomit during a seizure, increasing the risk of choking or aspiration. Caregivers should know how to safely turn the person onto their side and avoid putting anything into their mouth during a seizure.
  • Do Not Restrain: Restraining a person during a seizure can lead to injury. It is important to avoid holding the person down or restricting their movements, as this can make them more disoriented and may cause harm.

 

Seizure Tracker: Seizure Event Diary
Tips for Seizure Observation: Helpful to Know