Suhag R. Patel, PA-C
UPMC Neurology

Seizures, or sudden, individual uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain, may show a wide range of symptoms including mild confusion to full bodily convulsions. People may associate seizures with epilepsy, a neurologic disorder characterized by repeated seizure activity. However, people can experience seizures for other reasons. While they may be alarming, it’s important to know what to do if you find yourself in a situation that requires help.

Understanding Seizures

An intricate network of neurons makes up your brain. They communicate via electrical impulses, and seizures occur when there’s a sudden burst of electricity. They typically last a few seconds or a few minutes, and can affect your feelings, movements, or behaviors.

There are two main kinds of seizures: focal seizures and generalized seizures. Focal seizures start in one area of the brain and may or may not involve loss of awareness. Twitching, strange sensations, or repetitive movements may be signs of a focal seizure. Generalized seizures, which include absence, atonic, tonic, clonic, tonic-clonic, myoclonic, and febrile seizures, involve the entire brain and usually result in a loss of consciousness. In addition, a person might stiffen and experience jerking movements along with tongue biting or loss of bladder control.

Not everyone who experiences seizures has epilepsy. Other possible causes include:

• Head injuries
• Infections
• Stroke
• High fever (especially in children)
• Drug or alcohol withdrawal
• Electrolyte imbalances or low blood sugar

What To Do if Someone Has a Seizure

It may be frightening to witness a seizure, but knowing what to do to help while staying calm is vital.

1. Time the seizure – Most seizures last one to three minutes. If it lasts longer than five, call 911.
2. Protect the person from injury – Do not restrain the person and let the seizure run its course. While it is happening, cushion their head, remove nearby sharp items, and if possible, guide them away from any other dangers.
3. Turn them – Turning the person on their side during a seizure helps to keep their airway clear and prevents choking if there’s excess saliva or vomiting.
4. Stay – People are usually disoriented after experiencing a seizure. Staying with them and offering reassurance will help them until they’re fully alert.

As mentioned before, it’s important to seek emergency care if the seizure lasts longer than five minutes. If the person is experiencing their first seizure, is injured during the seizure, they are having difficulty with breathing after the seizure, they don’t regain consciousness, or if they experience multiple seizures in a row, you should also call 911.

Whether you have witnessed a seizure or have experienced one yourself, knowing about the condition and what to do can provide a safer environment for everyone. If you or someone you know is dealing with seizures, do not hesitate to seek medical advice for proper diagnosis and management.

Suhag Patel, PA-C, sees patients at the UPMC Neurological Institute, 740 High St., 3^rd Floor, Williamsport and the UPMC Outpatient Center, 1 Outlet Ln., Lock Haven. To make an appointment with Suhag at either location, call 570-321-2820. For more information about UPMC Neurological Institute services in northcentral Pa., visit UPMC.com/NeuroNCPA.