Epileptic Seizures
Discussion
This is a very random request.....but then this is sometimes a very random place
My partner is epileptic, and although she had to undergo a year without driving - she has her licence back these days as she is a 'sleep epileptic'.
So this can happen -
BUT...
She does still have seizures, and they are far from pretty. It scares the hell out of me each and every time (and I can't think of ANYTHING else that does!). But we get on as best we can...
Heres the odd request:
Does anyone here know where I could download a video showing a human having a seizure ???
Because she never knows anything about it, sometimes not regaining consciousness for hours. She would like to see what it is that I have to 'deal with' as it were...
or at least a simiular thing.
You already know that she probably feels awful about having them, and probably feels silly, and a little guilty/embarrassed. I dont presume to know whats best for her, but if you do find some videos, dont show her anything too OTT. I know you didnt ask for my opinion, just my 2 cents.
Thanks for your genuine advice.
Actually it is her that really wants to see the vids, obviously I see quite enough. But she feels 'left out' of it strangely, as although she suffers the seizures - all the dirty work is done by me, and when we see the specialist it is me who has to describe it etc.
She wants me to video her next time, but I have pointed out that at the time I won't give a shit about doing that - just keeping her safe etc.
I thought it would be easy to google this, but it isn't, I was hoping to find something that
was similar to her seizures to give her an insight.
And as for feeling sill etc...no, she just bloody hates the fact that it has happened. She is too tough to feel 'silly' about anything!!
Actually it is her that really wants to see the vids, obviously I see quite enough. But she feels 'left out' of it strangely, as although she suffers the seizures - all the dirty work is done by me, and when we see the specialist it is me who has to describe it etc.
She wants me to video her next time, but I have pointed out that at the time I won't give a shit about doing that - just keeping her safe etc.
I thought it would be easy to google this, but it isn't, I was hoping to find something that
was similar to her seizures to give her an insight.
And as for feeling sill etc...no, she just bloody hates the fact that it has happened. She is too tough to feel 'silly' about anything!!
I'm not sure where you would find such a video, if Google draws a blank, perhaps her Doctor
or one of the medical types here on P.H. could steer you in the right direction?
I did want to mention however that I used to work with a fellow who was an epileptic and he had an Australian Sheperd working dog ( dog had an official vest and could go every where with him just like a seeing eye dog) that was trained to give him advanced warning of a pending seizure (30 to 45 minutes minimum) and that allowed him to keep driving here in the states. Not knowing what the laws are in the U.K. I can only suggest that you could look into it. Having the dog warn him and having it by his side when comming out of a seizure was I think very comforting for this chap (another great reason to love dogs!)
These dogs are great as they allow the epileleptic sufferer to live as normal a life as is possible, allowing them to work, drive, swim, Etc., and having the trusty dog to give them advanced warning so they can be prepared.
Best of luck to you and your partner.
or one of the medical types here on P.H. could steer you in the right direction?
I did want to mention however that I used to work with a fellow who was an epileptic and he had an Australian Sheperd working dog ( dog had an official vest and could go every where with him just like a seeing eye dog) that was trained to give him advanced warning of a pending seizure (30 to 45 minutes minimum) and that allowed him to keep driving here in the states. Not knowing what the laws are in the U.K. I can only suggest that you could look into it. Having the dog warn him and having it by his side when comming out of a seizure was I think very comforting for this chap (another great reason to love dogs!)
These dogs are great as they allow the epileleptic sufferer to live as normal a life as is possible, allowing them to work, drive, swim, Etc., and having the trusty dog to give them advanced warning so they can be prepared.
Best of luck to you and your partner.
gorvid said:
Thanks for your genuine advice.
Actually it is her that really wants to see the vids, obviously I see quite enough. But she feels 'left out' of it strangely, as although she suffers the seizures - all the dirty work is done by me, and when we see the specialist it is me who has to describe it etc.
She wants me to video her next time, but I have pointed out that at the time I won't give a shit about doing that - just keeping her safe etc.
I thought it would be easy to Google this, but it isn't, I was hoping to find something that
was similar to her seizures to give her an insight.
And as for feeling sill etc...no, she just bloody hates the fact that it has happened. She is too tough to feel 'silly' about anything!!
I'm not sure I understood your first post completely so If my first post doesn't sound like a good fit for you both, kindly disregard.
If you want a video that resembles someone having a seizure try Googling for a video of some being Tazzed by a tazzer gun, the reaction of the person getting zapped should be a close substitute.
>> Edited by Trooper2 on Sunday 12th February 22:53
>> Edited by Trooper2 on Sunday 12th February 22:55
Trooper2 said:Ive heard of this too. I wonder if there is a waiting list, and whether she would want one?
dog was trained to give him advanced warning of a pending seizure
gorvid said:Maybe you are right, but I wondered if it might get her down from time to time in her own quite moments, if she saw a genuine seizure video which will surely replay itself in her mind, as she will be comparing herself directly to what she sees.
Thanks for your genuine advice. She is too tough to feel 'silly' about anything!!
Her desire is to evaluate herself by watching a seizure. Why not give her a cuddle instead, and make her feel special for who she is. And talk about it. I dont think she 'needs' to see a shocking video.
Then again, if she is as tough as nails, praps showing her a real seizure wont do any harm. You're doing the googling, and she is in your hands. I wouldnt show her, on the basis she wont actually 'benefit' from seeing it.
But if i were in her shoes... yeah, Id want to see it.
I'd get in touch with one of the organisations and see if they have anything. I found these, www.epilepsy.org.uk/shop/index.html but I have no idea whether they may show someone having an actual seizure.
As an aside, you have my sympathy mate. I was a first aider for some years, I've treated someone who chopped the end of his finger off in a lathe, someone who had an epileptic seizure, and my daughter had a temperature seizure when she was a baby. The worst one to see of all these was the epileptic seizure.
As an aside, you have my sympathy mate. I was a first aider for some years, I've treated someone who chopped the end of his finger off in a lathe, someone who had an epileptic seizure, and my daughter had a temperature seizure when she was a baby. The worst one to see of all these was the epileptic seizure.
I study neuroscience and I’ve touched on epilepsy.
If you want I could locate a lecture (PPT) giving you more information or you could ask me if you want?
If you want you want somebody who studies epilepsy. Ask professor Stone at the University of Glasgow.
www.gla.ac.uk:443/ibls/search/directory.php
I honestly don’t know how he would take such a request but it wouldn’t hurt to ask!
Anyway hope this helps
Stuart McIntyre
If you want I could locate a lecture (PPT) giving you more information or you could ask me if you want?
If you want you want somebody who studies epilepsy. Ask professor Stone at the University of Glasgow.
www.gla.ac.uk:443/ibls/search/directory.php
I honestly don’t know how he would take such a request but it wouldn’t hurt to ask!
Anyway hope this helps
Stuart McIntyre
speedychrissie said:
we got shown a very interesting video last week for pharmacology on the different types of seizures, but it was filmed a very long time ago (the intro doesnt say "bbc 2" it just says "2" ). i guess people are a bit more reluctant to film siezures nowadays.
but i think that maybe a doctor would be the person to have best acess to the kind of video you want.
slightly o/t: how do dogs know when people are about to have a seizure (i have never heard of this)
It's not known for sure but it is thought to be due to a change in the person's smell caused by small electrical discharges in the brain before the seizure. It looks like I was wrong stating these dogs are trained to "detect", some dogs have the ability and some don't.
Studies are being done with regards to using dogs to detect cancer in humans as well, it seems some dogs can smell cancer in a patient long before it can be detected by any other means.
speedychrissie said:I cant remember, but IIRC it was discussed on PH following a TV showing once. IIRC they were trained to sense something but to be honest (not very helpful, sorry) I cant remember what.
slightly o/t: how do dogs know when people are about to have a seizure (i have never heard of this)
I’ve to done a little reading up
Basically a fit is induced by synchronised firing of synapses in the brain. This can occur anywhere in the brain. A general seizure involves the entire cerebral cortex and partial seizure will only affect parts.
Epilepsy is different from case to case and is known to be triggered by
Withdrawal from depressants (this is most commonly alcohol)
Abnormal senses EG Flashing lights, strange smells
Things to look out for:
Subtle tremors e.g. flick of eyelids, tremor of the lips
The feeling of déjà vu (I’ve been here before)
Repeat motor procedures like tying shoe laces or combing hair or anything you do with out thinking about it.
Once a seizure has occurred the person will loose consciousness and then one of to thing will occur the body will go limp and then muscle contractions will occur. Or the muscle contractions will occur and then the body will go limp.
NOTE: I hope this helps any one that’s interested
I RESERVE THE RIGHT TO BE WRONG!
I’m tired and this is not an area that I have paid much attention to. If anyone contradicts me then there probably right.
Basically a fit is induced by synchronised firing of synapses in the brain. This can occur anywhere in the brain. A general seizure involves the entire cerebral cortex and partial seizure will only affect parts.
Epilepsy is different from case to case and is known to be triggered by
Withdrawal from depressants (this is most commonly alcohol)
Abnormal senses EG Flashing lights, strange smells
Things to look out for:
Subtle tremors e.g. flick of eyelids, tremor of the lips
The feeling of déjà vu (I’ve been here before)
Repeat motor procedures like tying shoe laces or combing hair or anything you do with out thinking about it.
Once a seizure has occurred the person will loose consciousness and then one of to thing will occur the body will go limp and then muscle contractions will occur. Or the muscle contractions will occur and then the body will go limp.
NOTE: I hope this helps any one that’s interested
I RESERVE THE RIGHT TO BE WRONG!
I’m tired and this is not an area that I have paid much attention to. If anyone contradicts me then there probably right.
Two basic types of siezures...
Petit mal - daydreaming, looking off into space, unaware of surroundings.
Grand mal - motor siezures of various severity
Most forms of epilepsy can be effectively controlled through medication. Phenobarbitol is the recommended therapy with petit. Not sure about grand mal.
(I had a mate in college with epilepsy. He was in my fraternity so I made it my business to know what should and should not happen in case of a siezure. I didn't want anybody ramming anything into his mouth "so he doesn't swallow his tongue" if it wasn't warranted)
ErnestM
Petit mal - daydreaming, looking off into space, unaware of surroundings.
Grand mal - motor siezures of various severity
Most forms of epilepsy can be effectively controlled through medication. Phenobarbitol is the recommended therapy with petit. Not sure about grand mal.
(I had a mate in college with epilepsy. He was in my fraternity so I made it my business to know what should and should not happen in case of a siezure. I didn't want anybody ramming anything into his mouth "so he doesn't swallow his tongue" if it wasn't warranted)
ErnestM
Trooper2 said:
It's not known for sure but it is thought to be due to a change in the person's smell caused by small electrical discharges in the brain before the seizure. It looks like I was wrong stating these dogs are trained to "detect", some dogs have the ability and some don't.
Studies are being done with regards to using dogs to detect cancer in humans as well, it seems some dogs can smell cancer in a patient long before it can be detected by any other means.
Work on cancer is being done at Amersham Hospital and dogs have been trained at the place where hearing dogs are trained for deaf people also in Bucks.
Yet again in Bucks, but this time in Chalfont, you'll find the National Centre for Epilepsy - they are very likely to have footage.
ErnestM said:
Two basic types of siezures...
Petit mal - daydreaming, looking off into space, unaware of surroundings.
Grand mal - motor siezures of various severity
Most forms of epilepsy can be effectively controlled through medication. Phenobarbitol is the recommended therapy with petit. Not sure about grand mal.
(I had a mate in college with epilepsy. He was in my fraternity so I made it my business to know what should and should not happen in case of a siezure. I didn't want anybody ramming anything into his mouth "so he doesn't swallow his tongue" if it wasn't warranted)
ErnestM
They also use Sodium Valproate to control Petit Mal's. It's very effective and can prevent them happening totally. As Ernest says, Petit Mal seizures don't appear as a seizure, more like a momentary absence. I'm sure your other half has been down the various medication routes already.
Once again thanks for all the genuine feedback...
As far as 'understanding' the condition, I have to say we have both read everything and anything on the subject over the last five years, along with various visits to the GP and specialists etc - suffice to say we don't need any more help on this front!
And, although I know people are trying to help, I can assure you that the whole 'seeing a video of a fit' has been talked through, discussed, and dissected over some time.
As I have said, it is her wish to try and understand more of what she goes through between the blackout and the waking up hours later. She is not easily shocked, and I support her in whatever she wants to do in terms of continuing to live with this. After all we have lived through a great deal over the last 6 years (one year before it was diagnosed).
As far as medication is concerned we are still trying to find the right balance, and in women who are taking the pill or want to conceive this can be particularly troublesome. As it happens we have had a long slow slog with the medication... (done valporate, done valporate and lamotrogene - now on high lamotrogene).
So...all I need is a video clip!
I will keep looking!
As far as 'understanding' the condition, I have to say we have both read everything and anything on the subject over the last five years, along with various visits to the GP and specialists etc - suffice to say we don't need any more help on this front!
And, although I know people are trying to help, I can assure you that the whole 'seeing a video of a fit' has been talked through, discussed, and dissected over some time.
As I have said, it is her wish to try and understand more of what she goes through between the blackout and the waking up hours later. She is not easily shocked, and I support her in whatever she wants to do in terms of continuing to live with this. After all we have lived through a great deal over the last 6 years (one year before it was diagnosed).
As far as medication is concerned we are still trying to find the right balance, and in women who are taking the pill or want to conceive this can be particularly troublesome. As it happens we have had a long slow slog with the medication... (done valporate, done valporate and lamotrogene - now on high lamotrogene).
So...all I need is a video clip!
I will keep looking!
Hi!...My mother has had epilepsy since she was 16 and I also have first hand experience caring for them when they suffer a seizure. She has went from having 3 seizures a day to the present day where she rarely has them which I think was due to her medication `suiting` her body better than the other cocktails the G.P has prescribed. In my experience the greatest concern for the carer is being prepared as best you can to minimize any potential injures for the person taking heavy falls when they lose conciousness...She has taken some of the most terrible cuts/bruises that even Mike tyson would struggle to take when you are not quick enough to `catch` them and she is the toughest person I have ever met. I also found that some thought is required for general houshold stuff around the home such as avoiding glass tables/sharp edged furniture for interior decor...Many a time a folded towel around nasty edges have prevented bad injuries and cooking over boiling pans is disallowed which gives us peace of mind. As described sometimes they don`t take a seizure but forget where they are and what they were doing. Since you are both in agreement about what you want to achieve I would leave a camcorder `primed` around the lounge in case the inevitable happens as I`m sure every seizure varies.....I wish you all the best wishes under the sun and I`m pleased she has such support as yourself. I have alot of experience which you can tap at any time and would suggest that if you would like to try to reduce the number of seizures, some trial and error with medication, although demanding at times, has benefited me and my family as she was stuck with the same old pills for many years before we insisted upon an improvement. Changes in routine like an early start or nerves/stress are also factors that can induce a seizure and the carer should be alert to possible sudden seizures outside the norm. at these times.
I feel blessed that the big man has chosen me to be there to look after her...
My best wishes to you both....
Francis.
I feel blessed that the big man has chosen me to be there to look after her...
My best wishes to you both....
Francis.
Thanky Francis,
We are lucky enough that she only has sleep seizures now. Having had her year off driving and several tears 'sleep only' fits she is able to drive. We were on slowly increasing sodium valporate for a few years, but then (as we achieved the lowest seizure rate yet) we were advised to start again with lamotregene....
However we are just starting to enter what appears to be (touch wood) another low frequency stage.
What annoys me is the little amount of help you get without pushing for it.
My main concern is not the falling - as I have said, during the night there is greater safety from this...but my partner regularly goes over 4 minutes in a 'heavy' seizure, which as you know entails no breathing, blue face etc. This never gets any easier.
You say your Mother has less now, what meds is she on...?
We are lucky enough that she only has sleep seizures now. Having had her year off driving and several tears 'sleep only' fits she is able to drive. We were on slowly increasing sodium valporate for a few years, but then (as we achieved the lowest seizure rate yet) we were advised to start again with lamotregene....
However we are just starting to enter what appears to be (touch wood) another low frequency stage.
What annoys me is the little amount of help you get without pushing for it.
My main concern is not the falling - as I have said, during the night there is greater safety from this...but my partner regularly goes over 4 minutes in a 'heavy' seizure, which as you know entails no breathing, blue face etc. This never gets any easier.
You say your Mother has less now, what meds is she on...?
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