Seizure First Aid

Between 25-40% of people diagnosed with a brain tumor have a seizure at some time during their illness. If you’ve never had a seizure, or have never seen anyone having a seizure, this can be a startling experience. It is important to become comfortable with this possibility.
If you understand what a seizure is and what to do in the situation, you’ll be better able to assist if a seizure occurs.

WHAT ARE SEIZURES?
A seizure is an outward sign of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. It is similar to seeing a circuit breaker trip during an electrical power storm. Normally, your body's nerve cells communicate with each other via carefully controlled “electric” signals. Those nerve cells send thousands of signals back and forth, giving instructions to all parts of the body. If something interferes with those signals and they become more intense, a seizure results.

There are different types of seizures. In brief, seizures may cause unusual movements in parts of the body; a change in awareness; and/or unusual sounds, visions, or sensations. The type of seizure depends on which part of the brain is experiencing the abnormal electrical signals.

Most seizures occur randomly, at any time, and without any particular cause. However, there might be some advance notice. People who regularly have seizures sometimes notice things that “signal” an oncoming seizure. This warning is called an “aura.” Auras sometimes take the form of a headache, a mood change, a muscle twitch, or a particular smell. If you or your family member experience auras, learn to use that time to protect yourself. For example, if you are walking and have an aura, sit or lie down. If you are chewing, remove the food from your mouth. If you are showering, get out of the water.  It is important to recognize when you might be experiencing an aura so that you can react quickly and safely to prepare for what might follow.

If you have recurrent seizures, you might also notice that some events "trigger" them. Bright lights, flashing lights, specific odors, lack of sleep, missed meals, menses, increased stress, alcohol, new medication, or changed medication doses can all be triggers. Keep a health journal of what you do immediately prior to each seizure to help you identify your personal triggers.

What does someone having a seizure look like? For some, jerky shaking and trembling may be the first thing you see. Sometimes these body movements become extreme. Other times, a seizure may be as simple as someone appearing to be “far away.” For others, a seizure can take the form of music only they can hear, or a phrase chanted repeatedly until the seizure is over. The person having the seizure will not be aware of others around him during the seizure, and may not respond to touch or hearing their name. These are all common variations of seizures.

TO RECEIVE ABTA's Seizure First Aid wall cling (image shown above is smaller than actual size) with guidelines for responding to someone who might be experiencing a seizure, call our CareLine at 1-800-886-ABTA (2282) or click here to complete an online request.  Place the wall cling in a prominent area such as on your refrigerator or bathroom mirror.  



Last updated: January 3, 2012