2. Convulsion is neurological disorder- a
physical condition which causes sudden bursts
of hyperactivity in the brain.
This hyperactivity produces “seizures” which
vary from one person to another in frequency
and form.
3. “A sudden, violent, irregular movement of the
body caused by massive electrical discharge in
a group of nerve cells in the brain leads to
changes in mental activities and behaviour.”
4. 1. Generalized (both hemisphere)-
* Grand mal- tonic/clonic
* Petite mal- Absence
2. Partial (both hemisphere)-
* Simple- focal motor
* Complex- Psychomotor
5. 1. Tonic clonic (also known as grand mal):
- This seizure usually last approx 2-3 min.
6. a. Prodromal period- This is where the patient
has an abnormal twitch, anxiety, dizziness, a
small or odour or an unpleasant feeling in
stomach, visual disturbances or odd taste just
prior to seizure.
b. Tonic phase- In this phase the muscles ‘tone’
or ‘stiffen’.
7. c. Clonic phase/ Jumping phase- In this phase
the muscles start to jerk.
d. Coma- May be 10-30 min. in length.
8. 2. Absence seizure (also known as petit mal)-
- This seizure usually causes a few lapse of
awareness.
- May be accompanied by the eyelids or eyes
rolling back into head.
- May look like daydreaming or staring off into
space.
- This seizure can occur 50-100 times a day.
9. - A simple partial generally doesn’t impair
consciousness.
- A complex partial seizure generally will
exhibit some ALOC during and after the
seizure.
- Both may progress into a generalized seizure.
Take precautions
10. Classifying Partial seizures-
1. Simple partial seizure: (also known as
focal motor seizure)
- Twitching or jerking an arm or leg.
- Exhibiting an appropriate sensational on
emotion.
- Last approx 30 sec.
11. 2. Complex partial: (psychomotor motor)-
- Exhibiting automatisms such as smacking
one’s lips, mumbling, wandering picking at
clothes or repeating actions.
- Person is usually confused after seizure.
12. 1. Epilepsy:
-A chronic brain disorder characterised by
recurrent seizures.
2. Status epilepticus:
-Seizures that last more than 5 min. in
duration or seizures that occur consequently
without a period of consciousness.
13. 1. High fever
2. Infection
3. Poisoning
4. Hypoglycaemia
5. Hyperglycaemia
6. Head injury
7. Epilepsy
15. - Unfortunately, they are fairly common.
- Convulsions brought only by fever mainly in
infants and small children.
- Range in duration from seconds upto 5 min.
- The majority of patients have rectal temp of
greater than 102oF.
16. 1. Body substance isolation (BSI)
2. Scene safety
3. Asses responsiveness
4. Do not force anything into the clients mouth
5. Consider C-spine immobilization
6. Open airway and suction if needed
7. Breathing and ventilator support if needed
8. Turn the client to the side to keep the airway
clear.
17. 9. Protect patient from further harming themselves.
10. In febrile seizure, attempt to cool patient with
teppid sponging (be careful for reflex
hyperthermia).
11. Do not restrain or try to stop the client’s
movement.
12. Record the time the seizure began and ended.
13. Transport patient.
14. Consider ALS.
19. Medical Emergency
Status epilepticus
Prolonged seizure lasting longer than 5 min. or
repeated seizures over the course of 30 min.
Managment-
• Airway managment
• IV access
• Oxygen therapy
• Fluids
• Sedatives
20. 1. Enjoy your normal activities most people with
epilepsy lead normal lives.
2. Avoid hazardous activities, such as mountain
climbing or scuba diving. A seizure under
this conditions could lead to a fatal accidents.
3. Do not swim and drive alone or participate in
other similar activities
21. 4. Take your medicine exactly as directed by
physician. Skipping doses could cause you to
have seizure.
5. Do not take alcohol.
6. Do not take any medicine without consulting
your physician.
7. Wear a medical alert pendent or bracelet that
alerts others to your condition.
