What to do if someone is having a seizure?
Diet Therapy for Epilepsy, Including Ketogenic Diet High fat, very low-carbohydrate diets, when calibrated and administered by a doctor and followed precisely, can help ease recurrent seizures in some cases. Johns Hopkins offers diet therapy for epilepsy for both pediatric and adult patients, using the ketogenic diet and the modified Atkins diet.
What are some natural remedies for seizures?
Not every person will reach that goal right now, but research and specialty care help more people achieve it each year. While seizure medicines are the mainstay of epilepsy treatment, there are other approaches to think about too, including. Surgery. …
How to cure seizures naturally?
Medications are the initial treatment choice for almost all patients with multiple seizures. Some patients who only have a single seizure and whose tests do not indicate a high likelihood of seizure recurrence may not need medications. The medications treat the symptoms of epilepsy (the seizures), rather than curing the underlying condition.
How do you know if someone has a seizure?
Feb 11, 2021 · There are several treatment options available to help control seizures. Medications successfully control symptoms in about two-thirds of people with seizures. For those who do not respond to medication, there are also surgical options available, including: Minimally invasive surgery Laser ablation surgery NeuroPace RNS Deep brain stimulation (DBS)
What is the diagnosis of epilepsy?
There are several different types of epilepsy, characterized by seizures, with symptoms causing changes in awareness, muscle tone, emotions, behavior and sensory experience. Proper treatment starts with a careful assessment of the person’s seizures, which may include: Medical and seizure history and neurological ...
Why do people choose Johns Hopkins?
Epilepsy Treatment: Why Choose Johns Hopkins 1 The large number of patients we treat gives us unparalleled expertise in assessing and treating the full spectrum of epilepsy and seizure disorders. 2 Johns Hopkins offers a First Seizure Clinic, Genetic Testing Clinic and a well-equipped Epilepsy Monitoring Unit to help diagnose seizures and epilepsy. 3 Our team tailors each patient’s treatment plan with access to the most advanced medical, dietary and surgical therapies available. 4 If you and your doctor decide that epilepsy surgery is right for you, we offer the most modern approaches, including laser interstitial thermal therapy (LiTT).
Does Johns Hopkins offer keto?
Johns Hopkins offers die t therapy for epilepsy for both pediatric and adult patients, using the ketogenic diet and the modified Atkins diet. More about diet therapy for epilepsy.
What is the procedure for seizures?
When medications fail to provide adequate control over seizures, surgery may be an option. With epilepsy surgery, a surgeon removes the area of your brain that's causing seizures. Doctors usually perform surgery when tests show that: Your seizures originate in a small, well-defined area of your brain.
How to get rid of seizures in epilepsy?
Medication. Most people with epilepsy can become seizure-free by taking one anti-seizure medication, which is also called anti-epileptic medication. Others may be able to decrease the frequency and intensity of their seizures by taking a combination of medications.
What is EEG brain activity?
EEG brain activity. An EEG records the electrical activity of your brain via electrodes affixed to your scalp. EEG results show changes in brain activity that may be useful in diagnosing brain conditions, especially epilepsy and other seizure disorders. CT scanner.
How does a stimulator work?
Wires from the stimulator are connected to the vagus nerve in your neck. The battery-powered device sends bursts of electrical energy through the vagus nerve and to your brain. It's not clear how this inhibits seizures, but the device can usually reduce seizures by 20 to 40 percent.
What does an EEG record?
The electrodes record the electrical activity of your brain. If you have epilepsy, it's common to have changes in your normal pattern of brain waves, even when you're not having a seizure. Your doctor may monitor you on video when conducting an EEG while you're awake or asleep, to record any seizures you experience.
What tests are done to determine if you have epilepsy?
A neurological exam. Your doctor may test your behavior, motor abilities, mental function and other areas to diagnose your condition and determine the type of epilepsy you may have. Blood tests. Your doctor may take a blood sample to check for signs of infections, genetic conditions or other conditions that may be associated with seizures.
What is high density EEG?
High-density EEG. In a variation of an EEG test, your doctor may recommend high-density EEG, which spaces electrodes more closely than conventional EEG — about a half a centimeter apart. High-density EEG may help your doctor more precisely determine which areas of your brain are affected by seizures.
What are the best ways to treat epilepsy?
Not every person will reach that goal right now, but research and specialty care help more people achieve it each year. While seizure medicines are the mainstay of epilepsy treatment, there are other approaches to think about too, including. Surgery. Neurostimulation devices. Dietary therapy.
How long does it take for seizures to go away?
If your seizures are difficult to control, meaning you continue to have seizures after one year or after two anti-seizure medications have been tried, we recommend seeking more specialized care. Epilepsy centers provide a team approach to caring for people with seizures and epilepsy.
What is an epileptologist?
Epilepsy centers provide a team approach to caring for people with seizures and epilepsy. Testing is available to diagnose whether a person has seizures and the type of epilepsy they may have. Epilepsy experts (called epileptologists) can help explore all treatment options, .
What happens if first medicine doesn't work?
If First Medicine Doesn't Work. When Medicines Do Not Work. If your seizures are difficult to control, meaning you continue to have seizures after one year or after two anti-seizure medications have been tried, we recommend seeking more specialized care.
What are the two types of seizures?
Typically, seizures belong in one of two basic categories: primary generalized seizures and partial seizures. The difference between these types is in how they begin.
What percentage of epilepsy patients have intractable seizures?
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 20 percent of epilepsy patients have intractable seizures — seizures that do not respond to treatment. The reasons why epilepsy begins are different for people of different ages.
What is epilepsy disorder?
Check out the new videos at the bottom of the page. Epilepsy is a disorder of the brain characterized by repeated seizures. A seizure is usually defined as a sudden alteration of behavior due to a temporary change in the electrical functioning of the brain.
How does epilepsy affect the brain?
In epilepsy the brain's electrical rhythms have a tendency to become imbalanced, resulting in recurrent seizures.
What is the diagnosis of epilepsy?
A doctor makes his or her epilepsy diagnosis based on symptoms, physical signs and the results of such tests as an electroencephalogram (EEG), computed tomography (CT or CAT scan) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It is essential that the type of epilepsy and the type of seizures both are diagnosed properly.
How many people have epilepsy?
According to the Epilepsy Foundation, epilepsy affects three million people in the U.S. and 50 million worldwide. Epileptic seizures may be tied to a brain injury or genetics, but for 70 percent of epilepsy patients, the cause is unknown.
What are the factors that determine the choice of medication?
Choice of medication depends on a variety of factors, some of which include the type of seizure and type of epilepsy, the likely side effects of the medication, other medical conditions the patient may have, potential interactions with the patient’s other medications, age, gender and cost of the medication.
How long does a seizure last?
Most seizures last between 30 seconds and two minutes and will not require any emergency medical attention. However, if someone is experiencing a seizure that lasts longer than two minutes, or they lose consciousness and it does not come back right after the seizure, you should call 911 right away.
How to stop a seizure from a person from breathing?
Loosening any clothing that is tight around their neck or could restrict breathing (buttons, ties, etc.) Removing eyeglasses. Moving them away from hard or sharp items that could cause injury, but only if you can do so safely. Staying with them until the seizure is over.
What causes a seizure after a stroke?
Seizures can occur after a head injury, after a stroke, or as a result of certain infections and illnesses , such as meningitis. It’s important to recognize the signs of a seizure and understand what to do if you or someone around you is experiencing one.
What is the opposite of déjà vu?
Jamais vu (the opposite of déjà vu), where things seem foreign or unfamiliar, even if you know you have been there before. Young children and babies can also experience seizures, but they may not be able to tell you what is going on. Common signs for children and babies include: Frequent or sudden stomach pain.
What is a seizure in 2021?
Feb 11, 2021 3:30 PM. A seizure is a medical condition that causes abnormal activity and/or body movements after a sudden and uncontrolled disturbance in your brain. Most people associate seizures with a condition called epilepsy, but you can experience a seizure even without having this condition. Seizures can occur after a head injury, ...
How do you know if you have a seizure?
The most common symptoms prior to seizure include: A sound or tone that is the same each time. Changes in your hearing that might feel like you’re under water.
How many years after a seizure can you have another seizure?
While it is possible to experience just one seizure the risk of having another seizure within two years of your first one is between 21% and 45%. Depending on the cause of the seizure, your risk could be even higher.
What is the most important goal of a seizure?
The most important goal is to keep the patient’s airway patent and maintain oxygenation.
How many seizures are there in the US?
Seizures are a very common disease process and it is estimated that approximately 10% of the population in the United States will experience a seizure during their lifetime. 1 There are approximately 200,00 new cases of seizures in the US each year and these make up approximately 5-8% of all emergency medical services (EMS) calls. 2 Most paramedics take care of many seizure patients each year. 3
What are the indications for prompt transport?
Indications that uniformly prompt transport include pre-eclamptic seizures, patients suffering from three or more seizures in an hour, those experiencing their first ever seizure, and those who don’t have clear plans to have their condition monitored.
Is it safe to not transport after a seizure?
In terms of disposition, non-transport after seizure is not uncommon. This practice may be considered safe with standard non-transport protocols if the patient has a known seizure disorder, has returned to their baseline mental state and has an alternative plan for their own treatment and monitoring.
Can an epileptic seizure be transferred to a hospital?
Current UK guidelines state that “when persons who have had an epileptic seizure are fully recovered and not at risk, and in the care of a responsible adult, consideration may be given to not transferring patients routinely to a hospital unless they wish to travel.” 16 After an initial assessment, they can be referred to an alternative destination rather than the emergency department.
Does paramedic education teach about treating and releasing patients?
Full recovery of mental status. No other injuries requiring attention. Adequate plan for supervision. Currently, para medic education does not overtly teach about treating and releasing patients even though it is consistently done in a small group of seizure patients.
Is hypoglycemia a reversible etiology?
While only 1% of seizures are the result of hypoglycemia, it is a quick and easy test to perform and hypoglycemia is an easily reversible etiology. 7-9 In two studies, only 64-70% of seizure patients had a blood glucose measured during their clinical care. 7,10. A secondary survey should be done looking for signs of head trauma, ...
Treatment
- Not everyone who has one seizure will have another one, and because a seizure can be an isolated incident, your doctor may not decide to start treatment until you've had more than one. The optimal goal in seizure treatment is to find the best possible therapy to stop seizures, with t…
Clinical Trials
- Explore Mayo Clinic studiestesting new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- Here are some steps you can take to help with seizure control: 1. Take medication correctly.Don't adjust the dosage before talking to your doctor. If you feel that your medication should be changed, discuss it with your doctor. 2. Get enough sleep.Lack of sleep can trigger seizures. Be sure to get adequate rest every night. 3. Wear a medical alert bracelet.This will help emergency …
Coping and Support
- If you're living with a seizure disorder, you may feel anxious or stressed about what your future holds. Stress can affect your mental health, so it's important to talk with your health care professional about your feelings and seek ways you can find help.
Preparing For Your Appointment
- In some cases, seizures need immediate medical attention, and there's not always time to prepare for an appointment. In other cases, your first appointment to evaluate a seizure may be with your family doctor. Or you may be referred to a specialist, such as a doctor trained in brain and nervous system conditions (neurologist) or a neurologist trained in epilepsy (epileptologist). To prepare f…
Diagnosis
- To diagnose your condition, your doctor will review your symptoms and medical history. Your doctor may order several tests to diagnose epilepsy and determine the cause of seizures. Your evaluation may include: 1. A neurological exam.Your doctor may test your behavior, motor abilities, mental function and other areas to diagnose your condition and determine the type of e…
Treatment
- Doctors generally begin by treating epilepsy with medication. If medications don't treat the condition, doctors may propose surgery or another type of treatment.
Clinical Trials
- Explore Mayo Clinic studiestesting new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- Understanding your condition can help you take better control of it: 1. Take your medication correctly.Don't adjust your dosage before talking to your doctor. If you feel your medication should be changed, discuss it with your doctor. 2. Get enough sleep.Lack of sleep can trigger seizures. Be sure to get adequate rest every night. 3. Wear a medical alert bracelet.This will help emergency …
Coping and Support
- Uncontrolled seizures and their effects on your life may at times feel overwhelming or lead to depression. It's important not to let epilepsy hold you back. You can still live an active, full life. To help cope: 1. Educate yourself and your friends and familyabout epilepsy so that they understand the condition. 2. Try to ignore negative reactions from people.It helps to learn about epilepsy so …
Preparing For Your Appointment
- You're likely to start by seeing your family doctor or a general practitioner. However, in some cases when you call to set up an appointment, you may be referred immediately to a specialist, such as a doctor trained in brain and nervous system conditions (neurologist) or a neurologist trained in epilepsy (epileptologist). Because appointments can be brief, and because there's ofte…