Before I knew better, I thought only children had seizures and eventually grew out of them. However, I was wrong.
The first person I encountered having a seizure was a young man in a deli. I was around 10 years old at the time and I was with my mother. The man was standing near the counter. Suddenly, he dropped to the floor and started seizing.
Of course, I had no idea what was happening. But I remember hearing my mom say, “he’s having a seizure.”
The young man’s mother was also in the store. She told my mother that her son had never had a seizure before.
Many years later, I worked with a gentleman in his 30s with a severe seizure disorder.
One day, the man shared his story with me. He was a very courageous person.
His brain was damaged during a car accident, and he was left with uncontrollable seizures. As a result of the condition, the man lost his career and the future he had planned with his family.
He would have mild seizures all day long. I watched as one leg and one arm jerked forward each time. There was nothing I could do to help.
Sadly, the gentleman passed away during a massive seizure event.
So, exactly what is a seizure?
Tell Us What a Seizure Is
According to John Hopkins Medicine, a seizure is a blast of abnormal electrical impulses occurring between nerve cells in the brain.
The expert also tells us that a “single seizure event” can be caused by something like medication. However, recurrent seizures are called “epilepsy.”
Sometimes a person may know they are going to have a seizure based on a particular smell or another type of sensation. Still, seizures often occur without warning.
The Mayo Clinic informs us about the types of seizures and when to seek medical help.
This expert indicates that “seizure signs and symptoms” could include the following:
- Staring
- Muscle jerks
- Muscle stiffness
- Body shaking
- Losing consciousness
- Confusion
Both children and adults experience the same symptoms when having seizures.
The Mayo Clinic also warns of 5 complications that can occur from having uncontrolled seizures:
- Fall Injury
- Drowning
- Car Accident
- Pregnancy Complication
- Psychological Problems
Treatment for seizures may include diet, medication, surgery, or other techniques.
The Family Reacts to Seizures
Throughout my career, I met people who faced different challenges as a direct result of seizures.
Most had supportive families. Sometimes an individual expressed displeasure stating their family was being overprotective.
Since uncontrolled seizures can occur anytime and anywhere, family members may feel anxious when taking a loved one out in the community or leaving them home alone.
Not only do seizures disrupt the life of the individual with the diagnosis, but it also disrupts their household.
The Epilepsy Foundation informs us that living with seizures involves the whole family, not just the person diagnosed with the illness.
Doctors can provide information about the disease itself, but what about the psychological needs of the individual and the family?
All family members involved need support and training when dealing with seizures. This includes parents of children with seizures and children of parents with seizures.
There Is Help for Families Managing Seizures
The Epilepsy Foundation has a 24-hour helpline that operates seven days a week. Anyone can call and ask questions about epilepsy or seizure disorders.
The Epilepsy Foundation can provide information and guide you to support groups. Their website also contains a resource guide that is separated into specific categories. This makes it easier for you to find the help you are seeking.
And, if you are interested in speaking with someone in your area, the Epilepsy Foundation has local offices around the country.
Help is available!
