1. The Cause May Be Difficult to Find
It is sometimes difficult finding out what is causing seizures; in fact, no cause is ever found in about half the cases. Some infections (such as meningitis), head injury, low blood sugar and certain metabolic and digestive disorders, such as celiac disease, can cause seizures. Something as simple as a high fever may be to blame. Trauma that causes loss of oxygen to the brain and certain types of brain tumors can also be the culprit. When no other cause is found, you may be diagnosed with epilepsy, a disease that is typified by seizures with no known origin.
2. Seizures Aren't One Size Fits All
Not all seizures make you lose consciousness and convulse. The most commonly recognized seizure is the generalized tonic-clonic, or grand mal seizure which causes the person to shake and lose consciousness. Other types affect a smaller part, or only one part of the brain. Temporal lobe seizures are a simple feeling of deja vu, or possibly dizziness. These are sometimes confused with vertigo or some other inner ear imbalance. If a person does not lose consciousness during a seizure, it's said to be a "partial" seizure. These are also known as Jacksonian seizures and can cause jerking involuntary motions and facial tics as well.
3. Help Prevent Further Injury
If someone is having a seizure, it is important to know what to do and what not to do. This information can prevent injury and possibly save the person's life. If someone is having a seizure, first, gently move the person to the ground. This will prevent him from falling. Next, move any furniture away so he does not harm himself as he convulses. If you can, loosen any clothing around his head and neck. Do not try to force anything into the mouth of a person having a seizure. Although this might seem to prevent him from biting his tongue, it usually only causes more injury, and you might get bitten in the process. Also, do not try to restrain his movements, and once the seizure is over, roll the person on his side.
4. Call 911 for Seizure Emergencies
If you have a known seizure disorder, call your doctor and let her know about the seizure. If this is the person's first seizure, or she is having trouble breathing or is blue, has a head injury or other medical condition, call an ambulance. If the person is a child, consider whether he may have ingested something poisonous and call 911 right away. Also, if the seizure lasts longer than five minutes, this is a serious condition that needs emergency medical attention.
5. There is Help Available
The folks at the Epilepsy Foundation are there to help you on your journey of recovery. Call them at (800) 361-5885 for the latest information about seizure disorders and treatment options.
