Epilepsy

Seizure: a single event due to an abnormal discharge from the brain
Epilepsy: a syndrome of recurrent seizures

Every individual with epilepsy has seizures, but not every person who has a seizure has epilepsy.

Seizure Types:

Generalized: these seizures involve the whole brain at once and consciousness is impaired. The following are different types of generalized seizures:

• Absence
• Atonic
• Clonic
• Myoclonic
• Tonic
• Tonic Clonic

Partial: these seizures are focal, coming from one area, on one side of the brain. They may or may not spread to involve wider areas of the brain. The following are the basic types of partial:

• Simple seizures mean that consciousness is maintained.
• Complex partial seizures indicate impaired consciousness.
• Febrile: These seizures are a "benign" epilepsy that affects about 5% of children between 1 and 6 years of age. The development of these seizures is associated with a fever. Approximately 7% of children who experience a febrile seizure will develop epilepsy.

 Some Types of Treatment:

• Medication
• Vagus Nerve Stimulator
• Ketogenic Diet
• Surgery

First Aid for Seizures:

• Move the person to safety
• Do not put anything in the person’s mouth
• Loosen clothing around neck, making it easier to breathe
• Remove any sharp objects that may be near the individual

If person is convulsing:

• Do not hold down or restrain him or her
• Gently turn him or her onto one side to help keep the airway clear
• Remain calm and try to calm bystanders

Never leave someone alone during or after a seizure

Erlanger Resources

Pediatric Neurology

UT Erlanger Neurology (adult)