Seizures – Tutorial Number 6
A seizure – also called a convulsion or fit – consists of involuntary contractions of many muscles in the body.
The condition is due to a disturbance in the electrical activity of the brain. Seizures usually result in loss or impairment of consciousness.
The most common cause is epilepsy. Other causes include:
- Head injury
- Some brain damaging diseases
- Shortage of oxygen or glucose in the brain
- The intake of certain poisons including alcohol.
Epileptic seizures are due to recurrent, major disturbances of brain activity. These seizures can be sudden and dramatic. Just before a seizure, a casualty may have a brief warning period (aura) with, for example, a strange feeling or a special smell or taste.
No matter what the cause of the seizure, care must always include maintaining an open, clear airway and monitoring the casualty’s vital signs – level of response, pulse and breathing. You will also need to protect the casualty from further harm during a seizure and arrange appropriate aftercare once they have recovered.