There is a new epilepsy center at the Trinity Mother Frances Hospital which is specially focused on those with epilepsy. Epilepsy is a chronic seizure disorder that affects over 50 million people worldwide. A person can have a seizure without being epileptic, but if a person has more than one seizure they are considered epileptic. There are different reasons that a seizure can happen in a non-epileptic person, such as: brain injury, stroke, low blood sugar, brain tumor, and even an injury at the time of birth, such as not enough oxygen.
There are different types of seizures, the most known being the tonic-clonic, which used to be known as a grand mal seizure. This type of seizure is generalized in the brain and begins with the tonic stage of the limbs becoming stiff, and then followed by the clonic stage where the body begins to jerk. Breathing can be slowed or suspended during the tonic stage. Another type of seizure can happen where a person just begins to stare off into space. These types of seizures are usually only detectable on an EEG. Many times the person is able to speak during this event.
Can Video Games Really Cause Seizures?
There used to be some types of video games on the market that affected some people who were playing them. As the games began to flash lights, the person (typically a child) would have a seizure. It is now know that flashing lights can cause seizures in people, and in some hospitals and research centers they will use flashing lights (photic stimulation) to trigger a seizure to enable them to study how a person’s brain is affected. Explaining epilepsy to children is important to make sure they tell an adult if they think they may have witnessed a person seizing.
If you are with a person who is experiencing a seizure, it is important to know a few things. You might notice the person’s limbs becoming stiff, or some people may be able to tell you that they are getting ready to have a seizure. If you begin to notice a seizure coming on, make sure to help that person get safely to the floor. This can help to avoid head injury from falling as well as broken bones. Never put anything in their mouth as a piece could be bitten off and swallowed. Make sure to place the person seizing on their side to help them avoid choking on any fluids. If necessary, call 911 for assistance.
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