What is a seizure?
A seizure is abnormal electrical activity within one or multiple areas of the brain that produce changes in consciousness, behavior, movements or feelings.
- Epilepsy is defined by recurrent unprovoked seizures
- 10% of people with TBI will have early onset of seizures
- The more severe the brain injury the higher likelihood of that person developing seizures or epilepsy
A seizure is characterized by one or more of the following:
- Eyes gazing in one direction for increased amount of time
- Abnormal movements of hands, legs, body or face – usually stiffening, jerking or shaking
- Unresponsiveness or staringÂ
- Hallucinations
- Changes in vision, smell, hearing or taste
- Lip smacking, fumbling movements
- Outbursts of anger or tearfulness
- Sudden tiredness or dizziness
- Unable to speak or understand others
A seizure can last several seconds to minutes.
Medication management
Medications are called anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) and can cause the following side effects:
- Drowsiness or fatigue
- Worsening balance
- Confusion
- Lightheadedness or dizzinessÂ
Ways to protect loved ones if having a seizure:
- Monitor for signs of difficulty breathing, check their pulse
- Roll them to their side or turn head sideways to reduce any choking
- If standing, hold them and try to get them to a lying position
- If a seizure lasts longer than >5 minutes, call 911
- Call the patient’s physician to notify them
Caregivers play an important role in recognizing seizure activity early, ensuring safety during an event, and supporting adherence to prescribed medications. While many seizures can be managed effectively with treatment, ongoing monitoring is important. Contact your healthcare provider with any new seizure activity, changes in frequency or severity, medication side effects, or concerns about safety.