Friendship Zoom Notes
Epilepsy is a neurological condition that affects the brain & causes recurrent seizures.
What is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy occurs when there is abnormal electrical activity in the brain. It can affect anyone-----children, teens, & adults.
Common Signs
brief staring spells, uncontrollable movements, stiffening or jerking, loss of awareness or confusion, emotional or sensory changes
Types of Seizures
Focal Seizures----affect one part of the brain
Generalized Seizures----affect both sides of the brain
Unknown Onset----when the start is not known
How You Can Help
be kind & understanding
don't judge what you don't understand
learn & educate others about epilepsy
support inclusion & acceptance
I Have Epilepsy it can also mean I Might
1 Feel extra tired or need more rest
2 Have memory or concentration challenges
3 Experience anxiety or mood changes
4 Need time to recover after a seizure
5 Take daily medication with side effects
6 Have headaches or brain fog
7 Feel sensitive to stress or lack of sleep
8 Need more support understanding or managing triggers
Types of Seizures---know the type---expect the signs-----give the best care
Two Main Categories
Generalized Seizures----affect both sides of the brain
Focal Seizures-----affect one area of the brain from the start
Generalized Seizures Include
1 Tonic-Clonic (grand mal)---aura may occur, then the loss of consciousness, whole body stiffening (tonic) followed by rhythmic jerking (clonic). Last 1-3 minutes------postictal sleepiness & confusion
2 Myoclonic-----sudden, brief, shock-like jerks of a muscle or group of muscles. No loss of awareness (usually).
3 Absence (petit mal)----blank stare, brief loss of awareness, often looks like daydreaming. It last 5-15 seconds & often goes unnoticed
4 Atonic---sudden loss of muscle tone causing falls or dropping of the head. Risk for injury
Focal Seizures Include
1 Focal Awareness Seizure (previously "simple focal")------aware & alert during the seizure, sensory or motor symptoms, may see, hear, feel, or smell something unusual, aura may occur, no loss of consciousness. Stays aware-----symptoms depend on the area of the brain affected.
2 Focal Impaired Awareness (previously complex focal)----impaired awareness, altered behavior or thinking, may stare, mumble, or repeat movements, no memory of the event-----not fully aware-----lasts seconds to minutes
Warning Signs Before A Seizure
sudden confusion, tingling sensations, strange smells, headache, dizziness, blurred vision, anxiety or fear, nausea
Seizure Safety Tips
1 Take your medicine regularly, on time everyday
2 Use the back burners & turn pot handles away from you when cooking on the stove
3 Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water.
4 Remove sharp or dangerous objects away from the bed
5 Wear protective clothing while playing sports or biking
7 Avoid ladders or heights
8 Have someone with you while swimming & take showers instead of baths
9 Educate your family & friends on seizure first aid
Seizure First Aid
stay calm, protect from injury, turn on side, time the seizure, do not put anything in the mouth, call 911 if seizure lasts 5 minutes or longer
Epilepsy Awareness
Don't underestimate me because I have epilepsy. I can still work hard, go to school, exercise & stay fit, have a career, travel the world, enjoy hobbies, love & be loved, achieve my goals, live my life.............I am capable.........I am strong
Epilepsy Strengths
resilient & strong
self-aware & adaptable
deep understanding of their body
empathetic & compassionate
determined & persistent
growth through challenges
Facts about Seizures & Epilepsy
1 You can't swallow your tongue during a seizure
2 Never force something into the mouth of a person having a seizure
3 Don't restrain someone having a seizure
4 Epilepsy isn't contagious
5 Anyone can develop epilepsy
6 Most people with epilepsy can do the same things as people without epilepsy
7 People with epilepsy can handle jobs with responsibility & stress
8 Epilepsy can't be cured
9 Epilepsy isn't rare
10 You can die from epilepsy
11 Each person's seizures are different
12 People with epilepsy are usually not physically limited
