Spring Webinar Series Week 3: Working with Individuals Who Have Seizures & Epilepsy

Welcome & Introduction Amanda Pike Education Senior Program Manager The Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota

Epilepsy is Not…

Epilepsy is…  A neurological disorder of the brain characterized by the tendency to have recurring seizures  May also be called a seizure disorder  Proper terminology

What Happens to the Brain During a Seizure ?

What Causes Epilepsy?

Possible Seizure Triggers  Failure to take medications  Lack of sleep  Stress or anxiety  Dehydration  Photosensitivity – strobe lights  Menstrual cycle/hormonal changes  Environmental

Seizure Classification  Focal Onset Seizures (partial) Involves part of brain May or may not have change in awareness Symptoms relate to the part of brain affected  Generalized Seizures Involves whole brain Convulsions, staring, muscle spasms & falls Most common are absence & tonic-clonic

Focal Seizures  Without change in awareness: Simple Partial Seizures Uncontrollable shaking movements Sensory seizures No impairment of consciousness No immediate action is needed other than reassurance & emotional support

Focal Seizures  With change in awareness: Complex Partial Seizures Most common seizure type Unaware of surroundings & unable to respond Repetitive, purposeless movement

Appropriate Response to Complex Partial Seizure  Stay calm  Track time  Do not restrain  Gently direct away from hazards  Remain with the individual until they have gained full awareness

Absence Seizures (Formerly Petit Mal)  Characterized by brief staring  Starts & ends abruptly  Quickly returns to complete awareness  Appropriate response includes documentation

Generalized Tonic-Clonic (Formerly Grand Mal)  NOT the most common seizure type  Completely unconscious; loss of control  May cry out or make noise  May have irregular breathing  Lasts five minutes or less

Appropriate Response to Generalized Tonic-Clonic  Remain with person until they have regained full awareness  If seizure lasts more than five minutes, call 911  Recovery period: postictal state Not included in timing of the seizure

Convulsive Seizure on a Bus  Safely pull over & stop bus  Place person on their side across the seat facing away from the seat back or in aisle  Follow standard seizure response protocol  Continue to destination or follow policy

Call 911 if the Person…  Is injured  Has diabetes or is pregnant  Does not resume normal breathing or breathing stops  Has a first-time seizure  Has a seizure in water  Situation escalates

Public Transportation  Be aware: a seizure isn’t always loss of consciousness  Communication is key! Ask them  Look for medic alert bracelet  Stay calm! Explain to others what is happening

Contact Information & Questions  The Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota envisions a world where people with seizures realize their full potential  Website:  Phone:  Facebook: Epilepsy-Foundation Minnesota 