Dealing with FITS

Dr. Douglas Street, Contributor

Epileptic seizures, also known as fits, have always generated a great deal of curiosity, mystery, and myths in almost all cultures, no less so in ours. There are many myths about fits, but as with most chronic illnesses, epilepsy affects the entire family and puts certain restrictions on those who suffer from it.

Seizures result from short-term abnormal electrical activity, either in the entire brain (generalised seizures), or part of it (partial seizures). It can manifest itself as the person simply staring for a short time, or it can be as disruptive as generalised, uncontrollable convulsions.

Seizures may be due to temporary situations such as very high blood sugar, or high fever, or a permanent situation such as brain damage. When a person has epilepsy, he has a permanent (uncorrectable) problem that causes him to have seizures from time to time if not controlled with treatment.

Causes

The causes of seizures include high sodium or sugar in the blood; brain damage (such as before or during childbirth, head trauma, and stroke); bleeding in or around the brain; high fever; a brain tumour; alcohol excess or withdrawal; use of street drugs; brain infections; liver/kidney failure; or conditions that cause gradual loss of brain tissue/function, for example dementia.

If you see a person having an epileptic fit, ensure that there is nothing close by that may cause injury. Do not attempt to restrain the person. loosen any clothes that may squeeze the neck. reassure bystanders who may be panicking. do not put anything inside or over the person's mouth. monitor the person after it has stopped as people who have seizures are often confused afterwards, and get medical help when feasible.

Some seizures cause loss of awareness and muscle control, so if the person is not under control, certain situations may increase the risk of injury. These include driving, swimming, riding, climbing, caring for young children, and operating machinery.

Precautions

Preferably, a notification bracelet should be worn, especially if travelling alone. Also, certain modifications may be necessary in the home to reduce the risks of injury. In addition, all seizure medication may cause injury to an unborn child, so pregnancy is a somewhat risky undertaking.To reduce frequency of seizures, an epileptic should get adequate sleep, take medication as prescribed, avoid/limit alcohol use, avoid street drugs, and limit stress where possible.

Make your doctor aware of any seizures you have so that treatment changes may be considered, and discuss the use of other medications or supplements with your doctor beforehand.

Dr Douglas Street is a general practitioner and has private practices at Trinity Medical Centre, Trinity Mall; Barnett Street, Montego Bay; and Omega Medical Centre, Plaza de Negril, Negril. Send feedback to drdougstreet@yahoo.com.