Description There are many diff...
Description
There are many different types of seizures. The most common is called a generalized seizure. It has also been called a tonic-clonic or grand mal seizure. Other types of seizures include petit mal seizures, partial (focal) seizures, febrile seizures and alcohol withdrawal seizures. A person may have a single seizure or repetitive seizures. People with recurrent seizures or at risk for recurrent seizures have epilepsy. A seizure results from an abnormal electrical discharge in the brain. Seizures can occur for many reasons, such as a head injury, an infection, a metabolic problem (for example, low blood sugar), a tumor, or drug use. Often the exact reason for seizures is not found.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the type of seizure. There is a period of decreased consciousness that might only appear as a short staring spell (petit mal seizure). Or the loss of consciousness may be associated with uncontrollable shaking of the arms and legs, loss of control of urine and stool, followed by a period of confusion.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical will be performed. The tests performed depend on the circumstances of the seizure. If this is a new seizure, a diagnostic evaluation will be done including blood tests and usually a head CT scan or brain MRI. An electroencephalogram (EEG) will often show characteristic brain wave patterns consistent with a seizure disorder. For people with epilepsy that take anti-seizure medications, blood tests for drug levels may be measured to help achieve seizure control.
Tests:
Blood alcohol level (BAC), Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Electroencephalogram (EEG), Lumbar puncture (LP), Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Urine toxicology screen
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Neurology, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Pediatric Neurology
Workup:
A history and physical will be performed. The tests performed depend on the circumstances of the seizure. If this is a new seizure, a diagnostic evaluation will be done including blood tests and usually a head CT scan or brain MRI. An electroencephalogram (EEG) will often show characteristic brain wave patterns consistent with a seizure disorder. For people with epilepsy that take anti-seizure medications, blood tests for drug levels may be measured to help achieve seizure control.
Tests:
Blood alcohol level (BAC), Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Electroencephalogram (EEG), Lumbar puncture (LP), Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Urine toxicology screen
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Neurology, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Pediatric Neurology
Treatment
Treatment depends on the circumstances of the seizure. If the seizure does not stop on its own anti-seizure medications will be emergently given since a prolonged seizure can cause brain damage. A blood glucose level should be immediately checked and corrected if low. If the patient's anti-seizure medication level is low, he/she will be given more. If an infection is suspected antibiotics or anti-viral medications may be administered.