Seizure in Elderly: What Needs to Be Done?

Epilepsy, a condition characterised by spontaneous recurrent seizures, is common in older adults (aged >65 years) and yet has received comparatively little attention in this age group. Seizures are sudden and uncontrollable electrical disturbances in the brain. This disorder can cause changes in behavior, movements or feelings, and also the level of consciousness. Various causes of seizures in the elderly include alcohol use, brain infections, epilepsy, cerebrovascular disease, drug-related seizures, tumor, brain injury, and electrolyte disturbances.

Seizure severity can vary depending on the type and symptoms caused. In mild conditions, patients may only experience confusion. However, in certain conditions that are more severe, the patients can experience uncontrollable jerking movements of the hands and feet, shaking all over the body, and losing consciousness.

Not everyone with seizure needs treatment. The treatment given will depend on the cause that occurs. Several drugs may be given to prevent further seizures, especially if the patient is at risk for these conditions at one time. People with epilepsy generally need medication to control seizures because they are at risk of experiencing this condition repeatedly. Administering anti-seizure drugs is the main way to treat this condition. If anti-seizure medications don't work effectively, the doctor may consider other measures such as surgery, responsive neurostimulation, and deep brain stimulation.

Most seizures will stop on their own within seconds or minutes. However, during a seizure a person is vulnerable to injury or injury due to loss of body control. Therefore, it is important to protect someone who has this condition from getting hurt. Here are some first aid during seizures that can help patients.

1. Call for help.
2. Lay the patient on a flat and safe place, provide a pillow to support his head.
3. Get rid of sharp objects around it that can injure the patient
4. Loosen tight clothing, especially around the neck.
5. Turn the patient to one side so that vomit does not enter the lungs.
6. It is forbidden to put any object into the patient's mouth during a seizure, even if the intention is to prevent the tongue from being bitten, for example a spoon or even a finger.
7. Do not feed or drink until the seizures have completely stopped.
8. Stay with the person with the seizure until the attack subsides, or until the patient gets professional medical help.