Seizures are a common nervous system disorder in childhood. Seizures are classified into two basic types called partial or generalized. According to LeBonheur Children's Hospital, partial seizures take place when abnormal electrical brain function occurs in one of more areas on one side of the brain. Generalized seizures may involve both hemispheres of the brain.
History
Seizures are sudden, abnormal and excessive electrical discharges from the brain that interfere with a person's motor function, level of consciousness or sensations. Seizures are unpredictable and may develop at any time during a person's life.
Identification
According to "Pediatric Nursing," the difference between a partial seizure and a complex partial seizure is determined by the loss of consciousness. In a partial seizure a patient's mental status is not affected, but in a complex partial seizure the patient loses consciousness.
Symptoms
During a complex partial seizure, the patient may appear to be fully awake but will not respond to commands and will not have any recall of what happened during the seizure. During the seizure the patient may exhibit involuntary behaviors such as chewing, lip smacking and picking motions of the hands. Some patients will experience hallucinations and bizarre behaviors. The bizarre behaviors may be things like laughing uncontrollably or undressing in public. Complex partial seizures may last two to three minutes and possibly up to 30 minutes.
Considerations
Patients who have a history of seizures may have an unusual symptom called an aura, which is a warning sign that a seizure is about to happen. The patient may describe a particular smell, feeling as if there are spiders crawling on her skin or an odd taste in her mouth. Family members should be aware of these and be prepared for the onset of the seizure.
Diagnosis and Treatment
The diagnosis of complex partial seizures is determined using the history given by those witnessing the seizure and observations by medical providers of the seizure activity. An electroencephalogram, also known as an EEG, detects the brain's electrical activity and is used to help diagnose seizures. Treatment for complex partial seizures will include medications called antiepileptics. Examples of antiepileptic medications are Neurontin, Dilantin and Tegretol. Patients on these medications need to have blood tests done at intervals to make sure there is the appropriate level of medication in their system.
Seizures can be very frightening for both the patient and his family. Patients should be seen by a medical provider when seizure activity happens.
References
- "Pediatric Nursing"; Seizure Precautions for Pediatric Bedside Nurses; Clore; July-Aug 2010
- "Sheehy's Emergency Nursing Principles and Practice; Mosby Elsevier; 2010
- LeBonheur Childrens Hospital: Pediatric Seizures
