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What is it about ?
Epilepsy is a condition of the brain accompanied by seizures. Epilepsy is when a person has two or more seizures in a year. A seizure is also known as a seizure or convulsive fit. It is the result of a sudden and temporary disturbance of the electrical balance in the brain. It is as if there is a ‘short circuit’ in the brain. Between seizures, the brain regains its normal functioning.
Some seizures start in a specific region of the brain (focal or partial seizures), while others start more diffuse in both hemispheres of the brain (generalized seizures). Because of this, seizures vary from person to person. Some lose consciousness, others make jerky movements with their arms and legs. Still others seem absent, stare into space or drop whatever they are holding in their hands.
An ordinary seizure usually lasts a maximum of 4 minutes and passes spontaneously. If the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, it is a question of a prolonged epileptic seizure. Status epilepticus is a seizure that lasts more than 10 minutes. Recovery from a regular epileptic seizure is usually complete. In the event of a prolonged seizure, and even more so with status epilepticus, the risk of permanently incapacitating brain damage and death increases dramatically.
How to recognize them?
Most seizures happen in people who know they have epilepsy. A prolonged epileptic seizure is not radically different from an ordinary seizure. The only difference is that the seizure does not spontaneously end within 5 minutes, but rather lasts. In status epilepticus, loss of consciousness lasts more than half an hour.
How is the diagnosis made?
If the seizure does not stop on its own or after the usual medication is given, the doctor knows it is a prolonged seizure or status epilepticus.
What can you do ?
Call emergency immediately. Some people known to have prolonged seizures are given a treatment plan in consultation with the neurologist. This plan provides for a family member to receive appropriate training to be able to administer the first dose of anti-epileptic therapy. If the crises do not stop despite this measure, it will still be necessary to call the emergency services. A person with a prolonged seizure or status epilepticus is always treated in hospital.
While waiting for the doctor or ambulance, be sure to clear your airways. Place the person on their side to prevent their tongue from falling back and to allow mucus to flow. If necessary, undo his tie and untie the first buttons of his shirt. Contrary to popular belief, it is not necessary to insert a hard object between your teeth. This gesture has no use and, on the contrary, exposes the person to the risk of breaking one or more teeth. There is also no point in trying to contain the seizures. Keep dangerous objects out of the reach of the person in crisis.
What can your doctor do?
Treatment usually requires a transfer to the hospital. The seizure is first controlled by the administration of muscle relaxants. Then, the doctor assesses the possibility of adapting the basic treatment in order to prevent such attacks from recurring in the future. A comprehensive general and neurological examination is necessary to see any possible brain damage caused by the seizure and to rule out other possible causes.
After a prolonged seizure, you will no longer be allowed to drive. You must inform the traffic police and your insurance company of this prohibition. In order to get back behind the wheel, you will need to obtain a certificate from the neurologist confirming that you are fit to drive. The neurologist will judge the duration of the incapacity.
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