Seizures can be frightening, but knowing what they are and what to do when they occur can help you respond appropriately.

A seizure is not a sign of mental illness or low intelligence. It is a symptom of a problem in brain function, and about one in 10 Americans will experience a seizure in their lifetimes.

There are several types of seizures, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. People may appear confused or dazed, lose consciousness, fall to the ground, or have muscle jerks lasting up to a few minutes.

Symptoms
Most seizures cause some loss of awareness. They may also include:

• Temporary changes in sensation or vision
• Changes in consciousness and memory loss of the event
• Loss of muscle control
• Muscle movement, including twitching of an arm or a leg

Causes
Seizures have many causes, including disruptions to the normal connections between nerve cells in the brain and imbalances of brain chemicals.

Common causes include:

• Brain tumors or strokes
• Brain infections, such as meningitis or encephalitis
• Traumatic brain or head injury
• Heredity
• Stopping alcohol intake after drinking heavily on most days
• Low levels of sugar or sodium in the blood
• Use of cocaine, amphetamines, or certain other recreational drugs In nearly two-thirds of people with seizures, the cause is unknown.

Self-care
Uncontrolled seizures can affect your life. To minimize disruption, try these strategies:

• Wear a medical ID bracelet.
• Teach people where you work and live the correct way to handle a major seizure. If you have one, they should:
  • Gently roll you onto one side.
  • Put something soft under your head.
  • Loosen tight clothing

    They should not:

  • Put their fingers or anything else between your teeth
  • Try to restrain you
  • Attempt to rouse you by shouting or shaking you

Most seizures aren’t life-threatening, and people with a seizure disorder do not need to call a doctor unless a seizure is unusually long. However, call 911 if it is the first seizure the person has had.

For more information, visit the Epilepsy Foundation at www.epilepsyfoundation.org.

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