Reasons for Breakthrough Seizures
A seizure is a sudden, temporary interruption of the normal electro-chemical activity in the brain. Breakthrough seizures are unexpected convulsions---in someone who previously had maintained consistent control over epilepsy symptoms---and quick action is needed.
Other People Are Reading
-
Causes
-
There is no one cause for epilepsy, according to touchneurology.com. Brain cells communicate through electrical signals, and triggers can prompt an abnormal electrical discharge or damage cells in the brain, setting off a seizure.
Triggers
-
Failure to take medication is the most common trigger of breakthrough seizures, according to epilepsyheartland.org. Illness, excess alcohol consumption, stress and pregnancy can also be triggers. Even loud noises, sudden changes in lighting, or monotonous sounds can bring on a seizure, reports touchneurology.com.
-
Treatment
-
A person experiencing a seizure should be eased to the floor and placed on her side. A cushion should be placed under her head, her clothing should be loosened and she should not be held down. After the seizure, she should rest or sleep if desired.
Duration
-
A breakthrough seizure lasts from a few seconds to several minutes. Patients typically visit an emergency room or doctor afterward, says touchneurology.com, and further testing may be required.
Considerations
-
Seizures are seldom predictable, but control is best achieved when the patient takes medications as prescribed and knows his seizure triggers, says epilepsyheartland.org.
-
