Karin's Life Force

A seizure can be a frightening experience, both for the person having the seizure as well as for anyone witnessing someone who may be convulsing or losing consciousness. About 60 percent of brain tumor patients will experience a seizure at least once during their illness. And for many, a seizure is their first brain tumor symptom.

According to the American Epilepsy Outreach Foundation, it is important to remember the 4Cs of seizure safety:

*Calm – Remain calm. A seizure is usually overwithin seconds or a few minutes and the person having a seizure is not in pain.
*Clear – You can help a person having a seizure by clearing a space around them and moving any objects that might be harmful. Only move the person if they are in a dangerous place such as water, traffic, or at the top of the stairs. Never
put anything in the mouth of someone having a seizure.
*Comfort – You cannot stop a seizure, however, you can provide comfort to the person having a seizure. If possible, remove glasses, a purse or backpack. Help them lie down on their side and cushion their head. After the seizure is over, calmly let the person know what has happened and where they are.
*Call – Call 911 if the seizure lasts more than five minutes or is immediately followed by another seizure. Also call for emergency assistance if the person is injured, having trouble breathing, pregnant, or having a seizure for the first time.

You can also educate yourself about what a seizure is and what causes them, how to avoid and predict a seizure, and how to ensure safety when one occurs.

What is a Seizure?
A seizure is a sudden, abnormal, electrical impulse that occurs in the brain. There are different types of seizures depending on which area of the brain is involved. A seizure may cause twitching or convulsions of the body and changes in awareness. Sometimes there is a warning, or aura, before the actual seizure. Symptoms of an aura can include unusual smells, strange body sensations, headaches or mood changes.

Taking Control
Recognize Triggers: While a seizure can occur at any time without a particular cause, some activities and environmental situations can provoke seizures in brain tumor patients. These “activities” are known as triggers. Some examples of triggers include:

1) Stress
2) Bright/Flashing lights
3) Lack of sleep
4) Low medication levels
5) Intracranial pressure from the tumor or tumor re-growth
6) Scar tissue after having surgery
7) Alcohol
8)  Missing meals

Keep a journal: Track daily activities, stress levels, food intake, hours of sleep, and when the seizures occur in a journal. By reviewing your journal, you may be able to identify patterns of behavior or circumstances that lead to a seizure and make lifestyle changes that can help you manage occurrences.

Relaxation techniques: In addition to tracking triggers in a journal and making lifestyle modifications, practicing relaxation techniques can also be extremely helpful. Deep breathing exercises, guided imagery, meditation and nature walks can all play a crucial role in keeping you relaxed and keeping your seizures to a minimum. To learn more about guided imagery and relaxation techniques, visit the American Brain Tumor Web site at:
http://hope.abta.org/site/R?i=b2vQfKUZUOJ7s40AIwO7tA..

Prescription medicine: The most common treatment for controlling seizures is a class of medication called antiepileptic drugs (AED’s). It is important that AED’s be taken as prescribed. If you miss a dose, do not double up. Instead, continue your regular schedule and notify your physician or healthcare provider as soon as possible. It is also essential to maintain a proper level of medication in your blood in order to control seizure activity. Blood tests will be done routinely to monitor status.

Seizures and Safety
Seizures can occur at anytime. If you regularly experience auras, you should take steps to protect yourself from injury or harm. For example, if you are eating, remove the food from your mouth so you will not choke. If you are standing or walking, stop and sit down. Also, leave the shower, tub or pool.

Some individuals use service dogs that are able to detect an approaching seizure and can then guide their owner to safety. For more information on service dogs, visit the Delta Society’s Web site at: www.deltasociety.org

The American Brain Tumor Association also offers a handy list of first
aid tips. “First Aid Wall Clings” and Emergency Alert Wallet cards can be obtained by calling the ABTA at 800-886-2282, or sending an e-mail to: info@abta.org.

Seizures and Driving
Driving plays a very important role in our lives, and it can be difficult to lose this privilege, even temporarily. Once you are diagnosed with a brain tumor, ask your doctor if you should be driving. The laws and guidelines in this area vary by state, but in general, your doctor will take into consideration both public and personal risk when he/she responds. Your state’s department of motor vehicles can also provide you with information specific to the driving laws in your state, including information and rehabilitation programs that provide driving instruction and testing for drivers impaired by a medical condition, and the forms your doctor may need to complete if you are instructed to stop driving, but receive approval to drive
again.

The Epilepsy Foundation offers a database of state driving rules, suggestions for alternative forms of transportation, and safety tips. Access these resources at
http://hope.abta.org/site/R?i=lOmPwKTQgKJa0JyyoBo-1Q.. .

Transportation Assistance
If you are unable to drive, public transportation, family, friends, volunteers and local services may be an alternative. If you need help accessing resources contact a social worker at your local hospital or ABTA at 800-886-2282 or send an e-mail to: socialwork@abta.org.

References:
American Epilepsy Outreach Foundation
www.epilepsyoutreach.org

Epilepsy Foundation
www.epilepsyfoundation.org

Becoming more educated about seizures helps to contribute to a sense of independence which can lead to an overall better quality of life.