What is a generalized epileptic seizure?

A generalized seizure occurs when the abnormal electrical activity causing a seizure begins in both halves (hemispheres) of the brain at the same time.

What are the signs of a patient experiencing a generalized seizure?

Symptoms may include:

• Stiff muscles.
• Loss of consciousness.
• A cry or groan.
• Jerking of the arms or legs.
• Loss of bladder or bowel control.
• Limited or even stopped breathing.
• Blue lips.
• Loss of muscle tone.

Which drug is used to treat generalized seizures?

Valproate (Depakote, Depakote ER, Depakene, Depacon, Stavzor) Considered the drug of first choice for primary generalized epilepsy, valproate has a very wide spectrum and is effective in most seizure types, including myoclonic seizures.

Can seizures be caused by stress?

Emotional stress also can lead to seizures. Emotional stress is usually related to a situation or event that has personal meaning to you. It may be a situation in which you feel a loss of control. In particular, the kind of emotional stress that leads to most seizures is worry or fear.

How can you help someone with a seizure?

First Aid

1. Keep other people out of the way.
2. Clear hard or sharp objects away from the person.
3. Don’t try to hold them down or stop the movements.
4. Place them on their side, to help keep their airway clear.
5. Look at your watch at the start of the seizure, to time its length.
6. Don’t put anything in their mouth.

What parts of the brain are affected by a Generalised seizure?

Clonic seizures involve repeated rhythmical jerking movements of one side or part of the body or both sides (the whole body) depending on where the seizure starts. Seizures can start in one part of the brain (called focal motor) or affect both sides of the brain (called generalised clonic).

What is the difference between partial and generalized seizures?

Generalized seizures are produced by electrical impulses from throughout the entire brain, whereas partial seizures are produced (at least initially) by electrical impulses in a relatively small part of the brain. The part of the brain generating the seizures is sometimes called the focus.

Which part of the brain is involved in generalized seizures?

The cerebrum is the largest and most recognizable of the three structures and is the one most often involved in epilepsy.

What are the common side effects of AEDs?

Common side effects of AEDs include:

• drowsiness.
• a lack of energy.
• agitation.
• headaches.
• uncontrollable shaking (tremor)
• hair loss or unwanted hair growth.
• swollen gums.
• rashes – contact your GP or specialist if you get a rash, as it might mean you’re having a serious reaction to your medicine.

What foods are good for seizures?

Although it’s not understood why, low blood glucose levels control seizures in some people. Foods on this diet include meat, cheese, and most high-fiber vegetables. This diet attempts to reproduce the positive effects of the ketogenic diet, although it allows a more generous intake of carbohydrates.