seizure project
TRANSCRIPT
- 1. An emts guide to seizures!
By: Danielle & Chris
2. Seizure? Whats that?
A seizure, or convulsion, is a temporary alteration in behavior or
consciousness.
In Laymans terms, a seizure, isa temporary loss of bodily control
or consciousness. Which also can be followed by muscular
twitching.
3. Types of Seizures
Generalized Seizure: (grand mal seizure) The most common seizure is
a
seizure typically characterized by unconsciousness and twitching of
all the
bodys muscles. Lasting several minutes or longer.
Absence Seizure: (petit mal seizure) is
typically characterized by lip smacking,
Eye blinking, or isolated convulsions or
jerking of the body. More often, this
type of seizure occurs in children ages
4 to 12 years old.
*Graph not calculated on actual figures*
4. Did you know!?
In Ancient Babylon, more than 3,000 years ago. One of the
superstition's believedat the time was that anyone who underwent a
seizure were being visited by demons or gods!
5. Some seizures may only occur on one side of the body. While
others begin on one side and gradually progress to a Generalized
Seizure.
Signs & Symptoms of a Seizure
Before a seizure, a patient may experience a warning also known as
an aura.
An aura, can be any of the following. A strange light, an
unpleasant smell, confusing thoughts or
experiences. All of which are possible that the patient may
encounter.
The patient may also experience a tonic phase,in which there will
be a period of extensor muscle
tone activity, tongue biting, or bladder or bowel incontinence.
(The extensor muscles are the muscles that
extends or straightens a body part.)
During the tonic-clonic phase the patient may show bilateral
movement characterized by, muscle rigidity
and relaxation usually lasting 1 to 3 minutes. During the
tonic-clonic phase the patient exhibits, tachycardia,
Hyperventilation, and intense salivation.
6. In case you forgot!!
Tachycardia: Heart rate (pulse)that is greater than 100
beats/min. *For adults*
Hyperventilation: Overbreathing to the point that the level
of arterial carbon dioxide falls below normal.
Intense Salivation: An abnormally abundant flow of
saliva.
7. Signs & Symptoms(continued)
Most seizures last 3 to 5 minutes and are followed by a period of 5
to 30
minutes, called a postictal state.
The postictal state is almost like the rebooting of a computer,
after the
Patient finishes the seizure they are unresponsive at first, but
gradually regain
consciousness.
The postictal state is over when the patient regains a complete
level of
consciousness.
Seizures that continue every few minutes without regaining
consciousness
or last longer than 30 minutes are referred to as status
epilepticus, aka status
seizures. And should be considered potentially life threatening
situations
because emergency care is needed.
8. Did you know!?
In the early 19th century, people who had severe epilepsy and
people with psychiatric disorders were cared for in asylums, but
the two groups were kept separated because seizures were thought to
be contagious!
9. Causes of Seizures
Some seizure disorders, such as epilepsy, are congential. (Meaning
the patient was born
with the condition.)
Other types of seizures may be due to high fevers, structural
problems in the brain,
metabolic or chemical problems in the body.
Epileptic seizures can usually be controlled with medications, but
if the patient does not take
their medications, or take the prescribed dose they will often have
seizures. Ex. Of
Medications would be Dilantin, Phenobarbital, and Tegretol.
Seizures may also be caused by brain abnormalities (tumors,
infection, scar tissue), abnormal
levels of of certain blood chemicals (hypoglycemia, drug over
doses, poisons).
Seizures caused by sudden high fevers are known as febrile
seizures, and typically occur in
children. Though unnerving for parents, these seizures are
generally well tolerated by the
child.
10. Common Causes of Seizures
11. The Importance of Recognizing Seizures
It is important that you are able to recognize when a seizure is
occurring or whether one has already happened..
In addition to recognizing that seizure activity has occurred
and/orthat something different is happening, you must also
recognize the postictal state as well as other complications of
seizures.
Because most seizures involve muscle twitching and spasms, the
muscle uses a lot of oxygen and in turn a build up of acid forms in
the bloodstream,
Seizures often prevent patients from breathing normally, making the
problem worse.
As blood glucose levels drop, patients with diabetes should be
closely monitored.
12. The Importance of Recognizing Seizures (continued)
Not all seizures are congential!! Recognize that seizure activity
may also be caused or associated with other underlying issues. (eg.
The patient falling during a seizure causing head/bodily
trauma.)
Patients having a generalized seizure may experience incontinence,
meaning that they may lose bowel and bladder control. So look for
that as a clue in unresponsive patients to see if they possibly
experienced a seizure and watch where you step!
Do what you can to ease the embarrassment of the patient and also
ensure them that incontinence is a part of the loss of control from
a seizure.
13. The Postictal State
Once a patient is oriented to person, place and time, the postictal
state is typically over.
The postictal state may be characterized by hemiparesis, or
weakness on one side of the body.
Unlike the typical stoke , hypoxic hemiparesis soon resolves
itself.
The postictal state is characterized by lethargy (fatigue) and
confusion to the point that the patient may be combative and appear
angry. So be prepared for worst case scenarios!
If the patients condition does not improve, consider other possible
underlying problems, including hypoglycemia or infection.
14. Assessing the Seizure Patient
In most cases, you will be called to care for a patient who has
already had a seizure. Or you may respond to a patient who is found
in the postictal state.
In other situations you may also find patients who are having
seizures but also have some other medical problem, such as cardiac
arrest, or their a nut case (psychological problem).
THOROUGH assessment at the scene and once ambulatory is key in
order for the hospital staff to care for the patient
effectively.
15. Did you know!?
The same medicines used to treat seizures in humans is also used in
canines!
16. Interventions of an EMT!
Being that most seizures are have a limited time in which they
last, they may not require a lot of intervention because it may be
over by the time of arrival.
For those who are actively seizing, protect them from harm,
maintain a clear airway by suctioning as needed, and provide oxygen
as quickly as possible!
Transport as quickly as possibly to the hospital, and if the option
is available, meet up with ALS.
17. Definitive Care for a Patient Who Has Had a Seizure
In most cases , patients who have had a seizure require definitive
treatment in the hospital. Even if the patient has a history of
seizures that is being controlled by medications.
Depending on protocols, assess and treat the patient for possible
hypoglycemia.
If trauma is suspected, provide C-Spine immobilization. And manage
that airway!
For a child with a suspected febrile seizure, you may attempt to
cool them down by removing their clothing and cooling the child
with water and fan the areas.
Be patient, kind and show tolerance. A seizure is not an easy thing
to go through and the patient may be confused and possibly
afraid.
18. Review time!!
What is the main type of seizure experienced?
A. Stroke
B. Generalized Seizure
C. Car Accident
D. Decapitation
19. B! Generalized Seizure (grand mal seizure) The most common
seizure is a seizure typically characterized by unconsciousness and
twitching of all the bodys muscles. Lasting several minutes or
longer.
If you guessed A, C or D. Well I just dont know what to say.
20. Review time!!
Most seizures last about how long?
A. 1 year
B. 3 to 5 minutes
C. 5 seconds
D. 2 years
21. B! Most seizures last 3 to 5 minutes and are followed by a
period of 5 to 30 minutes, called a postictal state.
22. REVIEW time!!
What type of seizure mostly occurs in children?
A. Myocardial Infarction
B. Febrile Seizures
C. Metabolic Seizures
D. Pulmonary Edema
23. B!Seizures caused by sudden high fevers are known as febrile
seizures, and typically occur in children. Though unnerving for
parents, these seizures are generally well tolerated by the
child.
24. Review time!!
What's my favorite color?
A. Red
B. Blue
C. Orange
D. Green
25. D! Green! And I bet you guys all picked B for blue.
THE END