By

Evelyn Stone, RN., BSN. M.Ed.

Brain disorder

Repeated Convulsions

There is an abnormal & sudden change

in how the neurons send electrical signals

May develop at any time

2.5 million Americans

Each year in the US 300,000 people have a seizure for the 1st time

120,000 people are younger than 18

181,000 are diagnosed with a seizure disorder

Brain disease – some conditions affecting the brain may be present at birth

Develop later in lifeScar tissue in the brainHead InjuryStrokeBrain Tumor

Congenital - caused by the brain not developing normally before birth

Family history - genetic Infections - Bacteria & virusesEnvironmental – Toxins, carbon

monoxide,Lead

Depends on the part of the brain is affectedLasts a few seconds to a few minutesConfusionWide open eyes that may have a blank stareJerking of hands, legs, or faceStiff arms and legsLoss of consciousnessConstant lip smacking

Generalized – affect both sides of the brain

Lose consciousness Partial Seizures – Most common

Limited to a specific area on the brain

Lennox Gastaut - early onset of a common seizure type called minor motor seizures, myoclonic seizures, atypical absence seizures

Blood testsCT Scan A special x-ray to take pictures of

the brainEEG - paper tracing of the brainLumbar Puncture – spinal tapMRI – Magnetic Resonance ImagingPositron Emission Tomography Scan shows

the area of the brain causing the seizure

Anticonvulsant medicine – Dilantin, Depakote, Lamictal, Phenobarbital, Neurontin, & other medications.

Surgery

Vagus nerve stimulation A small device sends electrical energy to the brain through vagus nerve

Prevent injury Do not hold or tie the person down Turn the person on the side to prevent aspiration/choking Do not place anything in the person’s mouth Do not pour any liquids in the person’s mouth Do not try to force the teeth apart Stay with the person until the seizure ends Time the seizure Watch the type of movement the person is doing

Turn the person to the side

Treatment may cause unpleasant side effects

Seizure medication may cause slurred speech

RashFeverClumsinessDrowsiness

Call 911Place something soft under the

person’s headLoosen tight clothingStay with the person till the seizure

endsWatch the movement of the hands

Epilepsy Foundation (800) 332-1000

www.epilepsyfoundation.org

Community Epilepsy Support Group

Conclusion Remember Safety Time the seizure Know what meds the client is on Turn client to side to prevent aspiration Call 911 if the seizure is in doubt Notify the director Notify the legal guardian/parent Notify the “Q”

Conclusion

Document in the client’s chart the incident

Remember to document what you observed

To contact Instructor:

Evelyn Stone103 Sulley courtKnightdale, NC 27545

Email: stn_vlyn@yahoo.com(919) 261-0696 home(919) 268-1012 cell