•A common neurological condition affecting around 1-2% of the population.

•More likely to be diagnosed in childhood or senior years

•However, not specified to any one age group, sex or race.

•70% of people diagnosed become seizure free taking medication.

•Important for family, friends and carers of epileptic people to understand different aspects of epilepsy to better improve their chances of gaining control over seizures when they do occur.

•Including medication and a sensible lifestyle, a full, active life is possible.

•Epilepsy is a disruption of the normal electrochemical activity of the brain that results in seizures. •Under different, certain situations and different circumstances, anyone can have a seizure. •Epilepsy is diagnosed when there is a tendency to have re-occurring seizures.

What is Epilepsy?

SEIZURES

There are approximately 40 different types of seizures however, they can be divided into two major groups;

•Partial seizures

•Generalised seizures

SECONDARILY GENERALISED TONIC-CLONIC- when a seizure starts as a partial seizure but then progresses to a generalised seizure (almost always a tonic-clonic seizure)

•About 60% of people with epilepsy have partial seizures (also known as focal seizures)

•Can often be subtle or unusual.

•May go unnoticed or mistaken for things such as intoxication or daydreaming •Activity of the seizure starts in one area of the brain and can spread to other regions of the brain.

•The types of partial seizures include;

SIMPLE PARTIAL where there is no loss of awareness

COMPLEX PARTIAL where there is a change in awareness and behavior)

•Many types of generalised seizures;

•Result of the abnormal activity in the entire brain at the same time.

•Due to this, a loss of consciousness happens as a consequence.

•Absence

•Myoclonic •Tonic

•Atonic

•Generalised Tonic-Clonic

Recognition of Generalised tonic

clonic seizure (most common)

• Casualty may collapse • Muscle spasm of the body• Possible incontinence of urine• Blueness of the face• Frothing from the mouth

If necessary, conduct a secondary survey to observe other injuries that may have occurred due to the seizure

Protect the casualty from any external dangers

Do not restrain the victim

Do not place any objects in victims mouth

When the seizure stops, conduct a Primary Survey

The seizure lasts more than 5 minutes

The does not become responsive between seizures

There is no history of seizures or epilepsy

Pregnancy or other medical aspects are involved

Significant injuries are caused by the seizure

Seizure occurs in waterThe recovery appears to be slow

Primary SurveySupport the head Recovery Position

Danger to self, bystanders, casualty

Response -Shout “Are you okay?” Squeeze the casualty’s shoulders

Airways- Check for blockages and clear. Check for signs of life

Breathing- No breathing, commence CPR

Breathing- Place in recovery position

Compression- No signs of life, commence CPR

Defibrillation- Early Defibrillation, as soon as possible

Secondary Survey

• HISTORY- full story of incident, illness or injury

• SYMPTOMS- sensations the casualty feels and are not necessarily visually evident

• SIGNS- information about the incident or injury we can gather without asking questions

DO Remain calmStay with personTime seizureProtect from injuryRoll into recovery position after jerking stops OR immediately if vomitedMaintain privacy and dignityObserve and reassure until recovered

DO NOTPut anything in their mouthRestrain the personMove person unless in danger

By Samantha SpackmanBibliography

• Epilepsy Action Australia (no date) All About Epilepsy and Seizures http://www.epilepsy.org.au/index.asp

Date retrieved 1.9.2008

The Epicentre (no date) What causes Epilepsy?

http://137.172.248.46/epilepsy.htm

Date retrieved 1.9.2008

Lippmann.J & Natoli.D First Aid (Published J.L Publications 2006)

First Aid : 2 Unit Personal Health Development and Physical Education (AP Publishing ; 2003)