Seizures & Epilepsy: What You Need to Know

Although there are many different types of seizures, they are typically divided into two broad categories: generalized seizures (involving the entire brain) and focal or partial-onset seizures (produced by activity in a small area of the brain, at least initially). A generalized seizure can cause a loss of consciousness, falls, or massive muscle spasms (convulsions). A partial or focal seizure can cause a range of symptoms, from uncontrolled movements to strange sensations, and often may progress to a generalized seizure. Another type of seizure, called an absence seizure, is quite different and is most often seen in children. In an absence seizure, the child may remain conscious but appear inattentive for the short duration of the seizure.

When someone experiences two or more seizures for no obvious reason, a doctor may diagnose epilepsy. Over 2 million people in the United States have epilepsy.

If you have even one seizure, you should tell your doctor about it. In order to share as clear a description of the event as possible, gather as much information as you can from anyone who may have witnessed the seizure. Also, be sure to tell your doctor about any other recent symptoms or health concerns. Your doctor can use this information to determine possible causes of the seizure, and, if necessary, to work with you on creating an individualized plan that may help keep seizures under control.

How to Help Someone Suffering a Seizure

What should you do if you see someone who may be having a generalized seizure?
• Stay calm and time the seizure. “Seizures can look really scary, so it may feel like someone is suffering a seizure for a long time,” says Dr. Frazer. “But most seizures only last seconds or a couple of minutes.” If the person’s seizure lasts longer than two to five minutes, you should call for emergency help.
• Ease the person to the floor. If the person having the seizure hasn’t already fallen to the ground, try to ease them onto the floor, so they won’t fall abruptly and get hurt.
• Loosen clothing or jewelry around the neck. This can help keep the person’s airway open.
• Turn the victim on his or her side. It’s important to keep the person having a seizure from inhaling any fluids or choking.
• Don’t try to stop the person from having a seizure, and never try to force anything into the mouth or hold the tongue down.
• Stay with them until the seizure stops. “When they awaken, they may not know what happened at first,” says Dr. Frazer. Stay with the person until they are no longer groggy or confused.

What Causes Seizures?

There isn’t always an identifiable reason for a seizure. Sometimes, though, a person may have an underlying health condition, disease or brain abnormality that causes or is associated with seizures. Some conditions or events that are associated with seizures include:
• Newborns: Difficulties during delivery (i.e., a lack of oxygen before, during or after birth), brain malformations, poor nutrition, a lack of electrolytes, bleeding in the brain (intracranial hemorrhage) or maternal drug use
• Infants and Children: High fever (febrile seizures), infections such as meningitis, or a brain tumor (rarely)
• Children and Adults: Congenital conditions such as Down’s Syndrome, genetic conditions such as seizure disorders, a progressive brain disease, or head trauma
• Elderly Adults: Stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, or a head injury

Clinical Trials

To search for clinical trials, please visit www.ClinicalTrials.gov. Examples of search terms may include: seizure, generalized seizures, partial seizures, epilepsy. Currently recruiting Pfizer trials may be searched at www.Pfizer.com/findatrial. Be sure to speak to your doctor about available clinical trials and whether enrolling in one is right for you.

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