Seizure- Qaug Dab Peg

Understanding Seizures

Seizures can be a frightening experience, both for the person having one and for those around them. But understanding what seizures are and how they affect the body can help make them less scary. In this blog, we’ll talk about the anatomy of seizures, the symptoms to watch out for, what causes them, how they’re diagnosed, potential complications, treatment options, and lifestyle changes that can help manage them. This blog is dedicated to one of my friends, Peter Thao, who has been suffering with epilepsy for many years now. Peter, I wish you and your family well.

Anatomy of a Seizure

The human brain is made up of billions of nerve cells, called neurons, that communicate with each other through electrical signals. A seizure happens when there’s a sudden burst of abnormal electrical activity in the brain, causing these neurons to send too many signals at once. Depending on where in the brain this activity occurs, seizures can affect different parts of the body and cause a variety of symptoms.

There are two main types of seizures:

1. Focal Seizures: These start in one specific area of the brain and can cause strange sensations, movements, or behaviors.

2. Generalized Seizures: These involve the whole brain and can cause loss of consciousness and convulsions.

Symptoms of Seizures

The symptoms of a seizure can vary depending on the type and where it starts in the brain. Common symptoms include:

• Convulsions: Uncontrolled shaking or jerking of the body.

• Staring Spells: A person might stare into space and not respond to others.

• Loss of Consciousness: Some seizures cause a person to pass out.

• Confusion: After the seizure, the person might be confused or have trouble remembering what happened.

• Sudden Fear or Anxiety: Some people feel intense fear or anxiety just before a seizure starts.

Causes of Seizures

Hmong traditional beliefs include spiritual encounters that cause the person’s spirit to depart from the body or a shaman's calling leading to seizure. In Western Medicine, seizures can happen for many reasons, including:

1. Epilepsy: A chronic condition that causes recurring seizures.

2. Brain Injury: Head injuries, like those from accidents, can lead to seizures.

3. Infections: Infections that affect the brain, such as meningitis or encephalitis, can trigger seizures.

4. Genetics: Some people have a genetic tendency to develop seizures.

5. Substance Abuse: Using or withdrawing from drugs or alcohol can cause seizures.

6. Sleep Deprivation: Not getting enough sleep can trigger seizures in some people.

7. Fever: High fevers, especially in children, can cause febrile seizures.

Evaluation and Diagnosis

If you or someone you know has had a seizure, it’s important to see a doctor to find out what caused it. The doctor will likely do the following:

• Medical History: The doctor will ask about the seizure, including what happened before, during, and after, as well as any previous seizures or head injuries.

• Neurological Exam: This exam checks how well the brain and nervous system are working, including reflexes, muscle strength, and coordination.

• EEG (Electroencephalogram): This test measures electrical activity in the brain to look for abnormal patterns that suggest epilepsy.

• Imaging Tests: Scans like MRI or CT can help find any structural problems in the brain, like tumors or bleeding, that could be causing seizures.

Possible Complications

Seizures can sometimes lead to serious complications, including:

• Injuries: Seizures can cause falls or accidents that lead to cuts, bruises, or broken bones.

• Status Epilepticus: A dangerous condition where seizures last too long or happen too close together without recovery in between. It’s a medical emergency.

• Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP): In rare cases, people with epilepsy can die suddenly during or after a seizure.

Treatment Options

Treating seizures usually involves one or more of the following:

• Medications: Anti-seizure drugs can help control seizures and reduce their frequency. It’s important to take them exactly as prescribed.

• Surgery: In some cases, if seizures are caused by a specific part of the brain, surgery might be an option to remove that part.

• Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS): This involves a device implanted under the skin that sends electrical pulses to the vagus nerve, helping to reduce seizures (see picture).

• Ketogenic Diet: This high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet has been shown to help control seizures in some people, particularly children.

Lifestyle Changes

Living with seizures often means making some changes to your daily life to reduce the risk of seizures and stay safe:

• Avoid Triggers: If you know what triggers your seizures, such as stress, lack of sleep, or flashing lights, try to avoid them.

• Regular Sleep: Make sure to get plenty of rest each night, as lack of sleep can trigger seizures.

• Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet and staying hydrated can help your overall health and may reduce the risk of seizures.

• Stress Management: Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to keep stress levels low.

• Safety Precautions: If you have seizures, it’s important to take steps to stay safe, like wearing a helmet if there’s a risk of falling, or not swimming alone.

In Summary

Seizures can be a challenging condition to live with, but with the right treatment and lifestyle changes, many people are able to manage their seizures and live full, active lives. If you or someone you know is experiencing seizures, it’s important to see a doctor for evaluation and treatment. Early diagnosis and proper management can help prevent complications and improve quality of life. See your doctor for medical advice!

References:

Epilepsy Foundation. (n.d.). Understanding seizures. Retrieved August 29, 2024, from https://www.epilepsy.com/what-is-epilepsy/understanding-seizures

UpToDate. (n.d.). Epilepsy in adults: The basics. Retrieved August 29, 2025, from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/epilepsy-in-adults-the-basics?search=seizure&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1%7E150&usage_type=default&display_rank=1