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Seizures are episodes of disorganized electrical activity in
the brain resulting in loss of consciousness and involuntary jerking of
limbs with frothing in the mouth, tongue biting and urinary
incontinence. The so-called 'minor ones' may have just abnormal behavior
or sensations with no convulsions or unconsciousness.
The tendency to have recurrent seizures is called epilepsy.
During an attack the patient should be put on his side so
that the froth does not go into his lungs. Some hard object in the mouth
will prevent tongue biting. Convulsing limbs should not be restrained.
Repeated or persistent attacks need hospitalization. Any disturbance in
the brain, be it injury, tumor, stroke, infection or even a post
operative scar may produce seizure.
In these days of CT & MRI scans, everyone with seizure
should be investigated. Effective medications are available. In selected
cases where medication does not provide adequate control, surgery may
help.
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