By: Derek Neupert, MD, Board Certified Neurologist, Thibodaux Regional
Health System
Seizures are one of the most common conditions treated by neurologists.
Worldwide, it is estimated that one in every 10 people will suffer a single
seizure in their lifetime. In the United States, studies suggest the one
in every 26 people will eventually develop epilepsy. Epilepsy is a neurological
condition of recurrent, unprovoked seizures.
For background, the central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal
cord. The brain functions as the primary control center and is made up
of various structures and nerve cells. It operates by the release of neurotransmitters
and electrical impulses. A seizure is an abnormal excessive surge of synchronized
electrical activity.
Seizures can either be provoked or unprovoked events. Provoked seizures
are triggered by an external transient factor. For example, if someone’s
blood sugar drops too low and they have a seizure, this would be considered
a provoked event. Unprovoked seizures occur outside of this context.
There are many causes of epilepsy. In pediatric patients and young adults,
epilepsy can be the result of genetic mutations, abnormal brain development,
or an associated symptom within a larger multisystem syndrome. In older
adults, epilepsy is often a consequence of acquired structural brain disease,
like ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, tumors, neurodegenerative
processes, meningoencephalitis, or traumatic brain injuries. However,
in some cases, the cause of epilepsy is never known.
Epilepsy and seizures are classified according to their electrical and
clinical characteristics. In a broad sense, the main electrographic division
is between focal versus generalized onset seizures. Focal onset seizures
start at one location and can either stay in that same spot, move to a
different region, or secondarily spread across the entire brain. When
seizures begin in multiple distinct areas, this is termed multifocal.
Generalized onset seizures; however, involve the entire brain at the very
beginning.
Clinically, seizures can manifest in a vast array of behaviors. This may
include episodes of unresponsiveness, blank staring, impaired awareness,
confusion, difficulty speaking, eye gaze deviation, vocalization, facial
contractures, repetitive movements, muscle twitching, limb shaking, tonic
stiffening, loss of consciousness, incontinence, and full-body convulsions.
Before a seizure begins, patients may also experience an abnormal preceding
sensation called an aura. Aura examples include feelings of inner restlessness,
upset stomach, visual obscurations, abnormal smells, and even out-of-body
experiences like déjà vu or déjà entendu.
Because epilepsy can present with such a wide range of symptoms, it can
easily be confused with other medical conditions. Example of seizure mimics
include movement disorders, parasomnias, tremor, syncope, cardiac arrythmias,
and psychogenic attacks. This is why it is crucial to be evaluated by
a trained neurologist for prompt and accurate diagnosis. As part of the
seizure work-up process, one can expect to have various testing performed.
Often this includes screening blood work labs, EKG, CT scan or MRI of
the brain, LP, and EEG (electroencephalogram) – a neurodiagnostic
test that analyzes brain waves.
There are many treatment options available for epilepsy. Seizures are often
first managed with medications referred to as anti-epileptic drugs (AED’s).
Nonpharmacological measures, like ketogenic diet, are also utilized as
adjunct therapies. In cases of medically refractory epilepsy, invasive
options like neuromodulation and epilepsy surgery may be considered for
treatment. This includes vagal nerve stimulation (VNS), responsive neurostimulation
(RNS), deep brain stimulation (DBS), laser ablation (LITT), and surgical
resection.
When someone is having an active seizure, there are several first aid tips
that should be known. On average, seizures typically last between 30 seconds
and two minutes in duration and resolve without any intervention. Do not
place anything inside the person’s mouth or try to hold them down.
Instead, gently roll them on their side to prevent choking in case they
were to vomit. Call 911 if the patient has continuous seizure activity
lasting greater than five minutes, or repeated seizure clusters without
improvement. This is worrisome for status epilepticus which is a neurological
emergency that will likely require intervention.
In patients with epilepsy, certain additional safety restrictions that
are recommend. This includes no driving, operating heavy machinery, climbing
heights, or other activities where seizures or loss of conscious could
cause harm to self or others. In Louisiana, it is recommended that patients
do not drive for a period of at least 6 months from their most recent
seizure. Additionally, special precautions should be taken during swimming
and around open flames.
At Thibodaux Regional Health System, we are equipped to provide direct
neurological care in both the hospital and clinic setting. If you are
suspicious that you or a loved one may be suffering from seizures or epilepsy,
please contact Thibodaux Regional Neurology Clinic at (985) 493-3090.