Transcript Seizure Management

By
Evelyn Stone, RN., BSN. M.Ed.
 Brain
disorder
 Repeated
Convulsions
 There
is an abnormal & sudden change
in how the neurons send electrical
signals
May develop at any time
 2.5
million Americans
 Each
year in the US 300,000 people
have a seizure for the 1st time
 120,000
people are younger than 18
 181,000
are diagnosed with a seizure
disorder
disease – some conditions
affecting the brain may be present at
birth
 Develop later in life
 Scar tissue in the brain
 Head Injury
 Stroke
 Brain Tumor
 Brain
 Congenital
- caused by the brain not
developing normally before birth
 Family history - genetic
 Infections - Bacteria & viruses
 Environmental – Toxins, carbon
monoxide,
 Lead
 Depends
on the part of the brain is
affected
 Lasts a few seconds to a few minutes
 Confusion
 Wide open eyes that may have a blank
stare
 Jerking of hands, legs, or face
 Stiff arms and legs
 Loss of consciousness
 Generalized
– affect both sides of the
brain
Lose consciousness
 Partial Seizures – Most common
Limited to a specific area on the brain
Lennox Gastaut - early onset of a common
seizure type called minor motor seizures,
myoclonic seizures, atypical absence seizures
 Blood
tests
 CT Scan A special x-ray to take pictures
of the brain
 EEG - paper tracing of the brain
 Lumbar Puncture – spinal tap
 MRI – Magnetic Resonance Imaging
 Positron Emission Tomography Scan
shows the area of the brain causing the
seizure
medicine – Dilantin,
Depakote, Lamictal, Phenobarbital,
Neurontin, & other medications.
 Anticonvulsant
 Surgery
 Vagus
nerve stimulation A small device
sends electrical energy to the brain
through vagus nerve

Prevent injury
 Do not hold or tie the person down
 Turn the person on the side to prevent
aspiration/choking
 Do not place anything in the person’s mouth
 Do not pour any liquids in the person’s mouth
 Do not try to force the teeth apart
 Stay with the person until the seizure ends
 Time the seizure
 Watch the type of movement the person is
 Treatment
may cause unpleasant side
effects
 Seizure medication may cause slurred
speech
 Rash
 Fever
 Clumsiness
 Drowsiness
 Call
911
 Place something soft under the person’s
head
 Loosen tight clothing
 Stay with the person till the seizure
ends
 Watch the movement of the hands
 Epilepsy
Foundation (800) 332-1000
 www.epilepsyfoundation.org
 Community
Epilepsy Support Group
Conclusion

Remember Safety
 Time the seizure
 Know what meds the client is on
 Turn client to side to prevent aspiration
 Call 911 if the seizure is in doubt
 Notify the director
 Notify the legal guardian/parent
 Notify the “Q”
Conclusion
 Document
in the client’s chart the
incident
 Remember to document what you
observed
 To
contact Instructor:
Evelyn Stone
103 Sulley court
Knightdale, NC 27545
Email: [email protected]
(919) 261-0696 home
(919) 268-1012 cell