Seizures are frequent neuron firings in the brain; these overactive impulses can cause unconsciousness and uncontrolled, sometimes dangerous actions. People with seizures can feel stigmatized in society; they need to avoid triggers and may feel as if they can’t participate in normal activities due to their conditions potentially causing disruptions. Rare seizure disorders are not very well-known among the general public.
~ The person is able to communicate during the seizure and will remember the episode afterwards.
~ The person falls unconscious and is not aware of their surroundings during the seizure; they will also not remember the episode.
~ The seizure lasts only a few seconds; the person suddenly stops moving aside for staring and occassionally blinking, and will not fall over or convulse.
~ A common seizure form, lasting for a few minutes and typically affecting both sides of the brain; the person enters the tonic stage and loses consciousness while contracting their muscles. The clonic stage occurs next, when muscles jerk rhythmically and quickly.
A short seizure form, lasting a few seconds, that causes muscles to relax and a person to go limp and fall.
A common seizure form in which the person's muscles stiffen and move rhythmically.
A common seizure form in which the person's muscles stiffen for a few seconds, potentially causing falling and exhaustion after the seizure.
A seizure that usually occurs consciously, causing jerking in a muscle or muscle group.
An infantile seizure in which the child has their muscle sitffened and their head bent forward; difficulty developing or learning skills can occur.
A conditon that can appear like a seizure, but occurs due to psychological or pyschiatric factors such as trauma.
If you see someone experiencing a seizure, STAY CALM, and begin timing the length of the seizure. Move the person away from dangerous situations and places, as they likely will not be aware of their movements. Bring them to a safe place and have them sit down or lay down, if they have tonic symptoms. Refrain from trying to restrain their movements or putting any objects in their mouth, which can harm an epileptic person's gums and teeth. If a seizure does not end after 5 minutes, the seizure happens in water, or injuries occur, call 911. Otherwise, be supportive after the seizure and remain with the person until they are awake enough to continue their day.