Seizure: Uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain, which may produce a physical convulsion, minor physical signs, thought

disturbances, or a combination of symptoms. The type of symptoms and seizures depend on where the abnormal electrical activity takes place in the brain, what its cause is, and such factors as the patient's age and general state of health. Seizures can be caused by head injuries, brain tumors, lead poisoning, maldevelopment of the brain, genetic and infectious illnesses, and fevers. In fully half of the patients with seizures, no cause can yet be found.

What to do if someone has a seizure

During the seizure 1.Protect the person having a seizure If the person is standing try to make him lie on the floor. If he is lying down put a soft pillow under his head. Try turning him to one side and keep his face near the floor. If he vomits, keep his mouth

Seizures
After the seizure:

towards the floor. If there is furniture around, it may injure the person having a seizure, shift it away from him. 2.Pay close attention to what the person is doing as you will have to provide details later to the doctor. If he is having a seizure, time it. Also keep track of how many seizures he has suffered while you were present. 3.Keep calm and cool and call for help. 1.Loosen tight clothing from the neck or waist of the person who has had the seizure. 2.Turn him on to his side (in case you were unable to do so earlier). 3.Most people get drowsy after a seizure, so allow the patient to rest in a safe place till he awakens, and stay with him till then. 4.If he has trouble breathing, check his mouth for vomit or excess saliva and mop it with a clean cloth.

What not to do if someone has a seizure:

1.Do not force anything into the persons mouth during an attack. Do not put your fingers in as you may get bitten and it serves no purpose. 2.Do not give the person anything to eat or drink till he is fully awake and alert. 3.Do not try to forcibly hold the person during a seizure or rouse him by shaking or shouting at him. Coping with epilepsy: If you or someone close to you is suffering from epilepsy it is important to bear these facts in mind. 1.Educate the family Your immediate family/friend partner must be educated about your illness so that he/she can determine if the current situation demands medical attention. 2.Develop hobbies and make friends. Have an active social life to avoid feeling despondent. 3.Find a doctor whom you are comfortable with. 4.Try to avoid worrying about future seizures as it is pointless. 5.Work from home or develop specialized computer skills which enable you to work from home. 6.Do not swim alone for the risk of drowning, drive long distances or operate heavy machinery. Please note, it is safer to avoid driving and use public transport instead. When to seek immediate medical attention: 1.The seizure lasts for more than five minutes 2.The person is not conscious or has breathing difficulty after the attack 3.A second seizure follows immediately 4.The person is pregnant 5.The person has diabetes 6.The person is suffering from heat exhaustion or high fever 7.The person has injured himself during the seizure

A seizure is the physical findings or changes in behavior that occur after an episode of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. The term "seizure" is often used interchangeably with "convulsion." Convulsions are when a person's body shakes rapidly and uncontrollably. During convulsions, the person's muscles contract and relax repeatedly. There are many different types of seizures. Some have mild symptoms and no body shaking. Causes Seizures of all types are caused by disorganized and sudden electrical activity in the brain. Causes of seizures can include: Abnormal levels of sodium or glucose in the blood