What To Ask A Neurologist About Seizures?

Seizures are alterations of electrical activity in the brain. These changes or alterations can cause noticeable and dramatic symptoms or no symptoms and signs at all in few persons. As such one may have numerous doubts and questions to ask a neurologist about seizures and here are those questions answered by us.

What Are Seizures?

Seizures are sudden, uncontrollable disturbances in the brain which lead to changes in movements, behaviour, feelings and also consciousness levels. Experiencing 2 or beyond 2 seizures at least a day apart is to be taken as epilepsy.

There are different types of them and vary based on the (brain’s) region where they start and also differ based on the severity and symptoms. Majority of the seizures last for about 30 seconds to 2 minutes. In case, the seizure lasts for above 5 minutes it is a medical emergency seek and ask a neurologist opinion and treatment.

The reasons that lead to them are also many such as an injury close to the heart, a stroke, infections such as meningitis and other illnesses. They are also more common than we can think and so taking a medical second opinion is always suggested.

They are controllable with medicines however, management of them can have a good impact on daily life. You can get seizures after a stroke, a closed head injury, an infection such as meningitis or another illness. Many times, causes of a seizure are also unknown.

Symptoms Of Seizures

1. Short-term confusion
2. A gazing spell
3. Uncontrollable shaking of legs and arms
4. Loss of awareness or consciousness
5. Emotional or cognitive symptoms like anxiety and fear
6. A stuck feeling of the stomach
7. Dizziness
8. Vision changes
9. Out of body sensations
10. Headaches

Causes Of Seizures

• Alcohol withdrawal
• Brain infections like meningitis
• Brain injuries during childbirth or after birth
• A brain fault at the time of birth
• Choking
• Drug withdrawal
• Drug abuse
• An electrolyte inequality
• Electric shocks
• Epilepsy
• Extreme high blood pressure
• Head trauma
• A fever
• Liver or kidney failure
• Depressed blood glucose levels
• A stroke
• Brain tumor
• Vascular abnormalities in the brain

Questions To Ask A Neurologist About Seizures

1. Am I probable to come across more seizures in case I do not take medicines or do not get other treatments?
2. What kind of epilepsy do I have?
3. If I require medication, what are the associated side effects that I can expect?
4. What must be done when I notice side effects due to seizure medication?
5. What must be done if I come across another seizure?
6. Is it safe and sound for me to drive? If not, when can it be safe to begin driving again?
7. Is it in safe hands for me to swim? Are there any other actions I ought to be careful regarding participating in?
8. Can I have alcohol, if so how much quantity is best?
9. Can brain surgery be useful in preventing my seizures?
10. What must I tell my family members, friends and co-workers regarding this condition?
11. What are the support organizations for epilepsy and seizures in my locality?

Tips To Live With Seizure

• Find a good GP who can not only treat but also make you feel comfortable.
• Try relaxation methods such as meditation, tai chi, deep breathing or yoga.
• Don’t panic and always keep your mind relaxed and composed.

How To Assist A Person With Seizure?

• Clear the region around the person who is having a seizure to stop possible injury. You can try placing them on a cushion or other safe side.
• Stay with him/her and dial 911 as quickly as possible.
• The seizure may last for more than 3 minutes so keep a track of time and the person.
• They do not wake up following a seizure so, once you feel the situation is normal, try to wake up the person slowly.
• They may experience repeated seizures so be watchful.
• If a pregnant woman experiences seizure, be very careful.
• Don’t place anything in the mouth of a person.
• Check for injuries and provide first-aid if possible.
• Don’t offer any eatables or drinks until they are fully conscious.
• So, next time you come across a person suffering from a seizure do the above and also keep in mind these questions to ask a neurologist about seizures.

Sudheendra Reddy
Sudheendra is a passionate blogger for 8 years and holds a Degree in Journalism & Mass Communications. His writings particularly focus on health, medicine, diet & lifestyle. For him, everything that interlinks and relates to health & medical world entices him. His write-ups aim at educating people not by just giving facts but by infusing human touch.