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Seizure Disorders. By: Samantha Singer. What is…. Neurological condition Nerve pathways disrupted by unorganized burst of electrical impulses Occur roughly in 1 out of 100 individuals Epilepsy = recurrent seizure. Causes…. Direct injury to brain Scarring of the brain from infections
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Seizure Disorders By: Samantha Singer
What is… • Neurological condition • Nerve pathways disrupted by unorganized burst of electrical impulses • Occur roughly in 1 out of 100 individuals • Epilepsy = recurrent seizure
Causes… • Direct injury to brain • Scarring of the brain from infections • Genetic component • Predisposition • Not one single identifiable cause • Not all seizures are epileptic in nature
Symptoms… • Asymptomatic • May be premonitory (aura) • Some may have numbness or an unusual feeling
Types… • Tonic Clonic – Grand Mal • Begins with tonic phase that only last for a few seconds, stiffening of the body • Loss of consciousness, heavy irregular breathing, and drooling • During the clonic phase the muscles begin to clench and relax • Finally a period of fatigue and disorientation • Some may experience what is called a postdictal state = sleeping episode.
Types… • Petit Mal – Non Convulsive – Absence Seizure occurs b/t the ages 4-12, often disappears when child gets older • 1/3 - 1/2 may develop grand mal • Very brief seizure usually lasting 15 – 30 seconds very difficult to recognize • May loose consciousness, no observable physical change • Can look like blinking your eyes or staring into space
Diagnosis… • EEG used to assess brain activity • CT, PET, MRI • Must be conducted in conjunction w/ blood tests and medical history
Treatment (Medications)… • AED like Phenobaritrol, Dilantin, Klonopin • Medications have adverse effects such as fatigue, loss of appetite, memory problems, and attention lapses, the use of one AED instead of multiple may reduce side effects
Treatment (Diet)… • Ketogenic diet strict diet used to treat seizures. • High fat, low carbs, and moderate protein • Each meal must be eaten completely in order to be effective • Usually used in young children
Treatment (Surgery)… • Labectomy removes the lesion in order to decrease the misfiring of neurons • Corpus callostomy severs the network of connections b/t left and right hemisphere, prevents further damage • Vagus Nerve Stimulator (VNS) a device that is surgically implanted on vagus nerve, provides electrical stimulation, and can be activated by a special magnet
Early Intervention… • Early diagnosis extremely important • Important to assess physical, cognitive, and language • Usually made by physician before child reaches school age • Most cases no effect on intellectual development
Educational Issues… • School personnel should have training in administering AED’s • Teachers must be aware of the type of seizure student may have • Students w/ absence seizures need more frequent review • Teachers need to give reassurance once seizure has dissipated or ensure safety due to confusion
Emotional and Psychosocial Issues… • Presents many challenges for child and family • Fears and misconceptions are too common • Can be stressful on children with seizure disorders • Counseling often helps • Educating other students, families, friends, and teachers often reduces teasing and stigma