Seizure Disorders
DESCRIPTION
In seizure disorders, the brain’s electrical activity is periodically resulting in some degree of temporary brain dysfunction.
Two Kinds of Seizures
Epileptic: These seizures have no apparent cause (or trigger) and occur repeatedly. These seizures are called a seizure disorder or epilepsy.
Nonepileptic: These seizures are triggered (provoked) by a disorder or another condition that irritates the brain. In children, a fever can trigger a nonepileptic seizure (called a febrile seizure).
Types of Seizures
MYTHS & FACTS ABOUT SEIZURE DISORDERS
Myth: All seizures involve convulsions
Fact: You should remove all potential hazards around the person while they are having a seizure
A number of things in our environment can trigger a seizure. These triggers are unique to each person that is known to have seizures. Triggers include loud sounds, bright/flashing lights and heat. If you know of a camper that is triggered by one of the above, try create an enviroment free of triggers to prevent seizures from occurring.
If you see signs that a camper you are watching is about to go into a seizure, try to prepare yourself by clearing the area, having the camper sit or lie down on a flat area and calling for help if needed ahead of time. Individuals who have seizures do not always have tell-tale signs before hand.
What To Do During a Seizure
Before
During
Begin by yelling "TIME" or by starting your stop watch. It is important to time the length of each seizure. This way, we are able to refer to the protocol on a camper's profile and ensure that the seizure is not abnormal for that camper.
Campers can have very different protocols for seizures. Ensure that you have read the profile so that you know what to do. If a camper has dropped to the ground, ensure you have cleared the area and try to find a soft cushion for the campers head. You do not want to restrict their movements in any way. Allow them to finish their seizure and when done, have them sit or lie down in semi-prone position, or a position that is comfortable.
If the camper is not known to have seizures, calling 911 is appropriate.
After
After a seizure, ensure that you have communicated the incident with the family and that the proper documentation (accident/incident report) has been filled out by your supervisor.
Don't be surprised if after a seizure, a camper needs a little time to rest and recouperate before re-joining planned camp activities. In some cases they will be quite tired after having a seizure.
It is also important to ensure that if a camper needs to be cleaned up or get changed that you do this whenever possible to ensure that they are comfortable continuing on with their day.