What does it mean to have a fit? Let's learn about (Seizure)

Have you ever seen someone suddenly fall unconscious and start shaking? We often call this a 'fit'. Anyone who sees this is very scared. They don't know what to do. What is really happening? Why is this happening? Is this something serious? Today we will talk about this in a simple way that you can understand.

What does it really mean when a seizure is coming?

Simply put, our brain is like a very complex circuit. It contains billions of nerve cells (neurons) that are connected to each other through tiny electrical signals. These signals operate in a controlled manner, which is why we can think, talk, walk, and do everything.

However, during a seizure, the electrical activity in the brain suddenly goes haywire. Like a short circuit in an electrical wiring system, some brain cells start firing uncontrollably and at a high rate. This 'electrical surge' is what causes uncontrolled movements in our bodies and loss of consciousness.

What types of fits are there?

Seizures can be divided into two main types based on where in the brain they begin. Understanding this will help you better understand this condition.

1. Generalized Seizures: This is when the electrical disturbances start on both sides of the brain at the same time. Therefore, both sides of the body can be affected.

2. Focal Seizures: In this type of seizure, the electrical disturbance starts in one specific area of ​​the brain (focus). Therefore, the symptoms may initially be seen on only one side of the body. However, sometimes this can start and then spread to the entire brain, becoming a generalized seizure.

There are several other sub-categories under these main types. Let's see what they are.

What are the main symptoms?

Symptoms can vary greatly depending on the type of fit, but there are a few common symptoms.

• Loss of consciousness: Sometimes you may lose consciousness completely, sometimes your consciousness may be slightly confused.
• Convulsions: Things like body tremors, jerking of limbs, and muscle twitching.
• Staring blankly: Staring in one place for a few seconds without any response.
• Sudden changes in emotions: feeling suddenly scared, happy, or upset for no reason.
• Grinding teeth, phlegm coming out of the mouth.
• Rolling the eyes to one side.
• Passing urine or stool without realizing it.
• Making strange noises.

These symptoms can last from a few seconds to a few minutes.

What are the reasons for a fit?

There is not one single cause for a seizure, but many factors can contribute to it. Sometimes, no cause can be found. We call these ``idiopathic seizures``. In general, the causes of a seizure can be divided into two main categories.

1. Provoked Seizures: This is when a seizure is triggered by a temporary condition or event. The seizure does not return once the cause is removed.

• High fever: Especially in young children, high fever can cause a fit. We call this ``Febrile seizures``.
• Blood sugar levels: too low (hypoglycemia) or too high.
• Headache : A particularly severe head injury.
• Sleep deprivation: Not sleeping properly for days.
• Alcohol or drug use: Alcohol withdrawal when you suddenly stop drinking alcohol or using certain drugs.
• Some medications.
• Electric light: A light that flashes rapidly.

2. Unprovoked Seizures: These occur without any obvious trigger. If they occur frequently, we call the condition Epilepsy .

• Epilepsy: A condition characterized by frequent seizures.
• Brain tumors.
• Stroke.
• Brain infections: such as `(Meningitis)` or `(Encephalitis)`.
• Congenital brain problems.
• Genetic causes.

What should we do if someone has a fit? (First aid)

This is the most important part. If you see someone having a seizure, don't panic. Providing proper first aid can prevent any potential harm to the person.

When should you be taken to a hospital (ETU) immediately?

A fit usually ends in 1-2 minutes. However, in these cases, an ambulance should be called immediately and the patient should be taken to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) .

• If the fit lasts longer than 5 minutes .
• If one fit is over and another one comes before you regain consciousness.
• If the person having the fit has difficulty breathing .
• If the fit has caused a serious injury .
• This is the first fit that person has ever had in their life .
• If the fit came in the water .
• If the person who had the fit is a pregnant mother or a diabetic .

How do you find this, Doctor?

When you go to see a doctor, he will first ask you and the person who saw the fit about the details. Things like what happened before the fit, what happened during the fit, and how you felt after it was over.

In addition, tests like these can be done to find the cause:

• Blood tests: Check blood sugar, salt levels, and infection status.
• EEG (Electroencephalogram): This tests the electrical patterns in your brain. It can detect any abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
• CT Scan or MRI Scan: These types of scans check for any tumors, blood clots, or other problems inside the brain.

What are the treatments?

Treatment depends on the cause of the fit, the type, and how often it occurs.

• Treating the cause: If the cause of the fit is something temporary, such as fever or low blood sugar, treating it will stop the fit from coming back.
• Antiseizure Medications: If you have frequent seizures (such as epilepsy), your doctor may prescribe medications to take daily. These medications work by controlling abnormal electrical activity in the brain. It is important to take these medications exactly as your doctor tells you, at the right time, for the right amount of time. You should not stop taking them at will.
• Surgery: In some cases, for fits that cannot be controlled with medication, if there is a specific area in the brain where the fit starts, that area can be surgically removed.
• Other treatments: Modern treatments like ``Brain stimulation'' and certain dietary patterns like ``ketogenic diet'' also help some people.

Having a seizure can be a scary experience. And so can those who experience it. But with the right knowledge, you can overcome that fear and help someone in need. If you or someone you know is experiencing this condition, don't hesitate to see a doctor. With the right treatment, you can control the condition and live a normal life.