EMS Neurological Emergencies - Seizure Disorder Causes

The causes of seizures can vary widely and may depend on factors such as age, medical history, genetics, and environmental influences. 

Here are some common causes and risk factors associated with seizures:

Epilepsy: Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. It can have various causes, including genetic factors, brain injury, infections, developmental disorders, and structural abnormalities in the brain.

Traumatic Brain Injury: Head injuries, such as those sustained in motor vehicle accidents, falls, or sports-related injuries, can lead to seizures. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can disrupt normal brain function and increase the risk of seizures.

Brain Tumors: Tumors in the brain can cause seizures by interfering with normal brain activity or increasing intracranial pressure. Seizures may be a presenting symptom of a brain tumor.

Strokes: A stroke, which occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted, can lead to seizures, especially if the stroke affects certain areas of the brain responsible for regulating electrical activity.

Infections: Infections of the central nervous system, such as meningitis, encephalitis, or brain abscesses, can trigger seizures. These infections can cause inflammation and damage to brain tissue, leading to abnormal electrical activity.

Genetic Factors: Some seizure disorders have a genetic component, meaning they run in families. Mutations in certain genes can predispose individuals to develop epilepsy or other seizure disorders.

Metabolic Disorders: Metabolic imbalances, such as low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), electrolyte abnormalities, or kidney or liver failure, can provoke seizures by disrupting normal brain function.

Drug or Alcohol Withdrawal: Abrupt discontinuation of certain medications, especially anti-epileptic drugs or benzodiazepines, can trigger seizures. Similarly, alcohol withdrawal syndrome can lead to seizures in chronic alcoholics.

Toxic Exposure: Exposure to certain toxins, such as lead, carbon monoxide, or certain chemicals, can impair brain function and induce seizures.

Developmental Disorders: Some developmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder or cerebral palsy, are associated with an increased risk of seizures.

It's important to note that not all seizures have a clear identifiable cause, and in some cases, the cause may remain unknown (idiopathic). 

Proper evaluation and diagnosis by a healthcare professional are necessary to determine the underlying cause of seizures and guide appropriate treatment and management strategies.

Further Reading:

Alexander, M. & Belle, R. (2017) Advanced EMT: A Clinical Reasoning Approach (2nd Ed). Hoboken, New Jersey: Pearson Education

Bledsoe, B. E., Cherry, R. A. & Porter, R. S (2023) Paramedic Care: Principles and Practice Volume 2 (6th Ed) Pearson.

Mistovich, J. J. & Karren, K. J. (2014) Prehospital Emergency Care (11th Ed). Hoboken, New Jersey: Pearson Education

Online Resources:

EpilepsyU

EMS Neurological Emergencies - Seizure Disorder Classification

Seizure disorders can be classified into several types based on their characteristics and underlying causes. 

Here are some common types of seizure disorders:

Generalized Seizures:

Tonic-Clonic Seizures: These seizures involve loss of consciousness, muscle stiffening (tonic phase), followed by rhythmic jerking of the limbs (clonic phase). They can be associated with convulsions and may result in injuries. Formerly known as Grand Mal Seizures.

Absence Seizures: Absence seizures typically occur in children and involve brief periods of staring or "spacing out." The person may appear to be unaware of their surroundings and may not remember the seizure afterward. Formerly known as Petit Mal Seizures.

Myoclonic Seizures: These seizures involve sudden, brief muscle jerks or twitches, often affecting the arms and legs. They can occur in various epilepsy syndromes.

Atonic Seizures: Atonic seizures cause sudden loss of muscle tone, leading to the person collapsing or falling ("drop attacks"). These seizures can result in injuries due to falls. Also known as Drop Attacks.

Partial (Focal) Seizures:

Simple Partial Seizures: These seizures affect a specific area of the brain and may cause twitching, sensory changes, or other symptoms without loss of consciousness.

Complex Partial Seizures: Complex partial seizures involve altered consciousness or awareness, with or without automatisms (repetitive, purposeless movements) and other behavioral changes. They may start as simple partial seizures and progress to affect larger areas of the brain.

Focal to Bilateral Tonic-Clonic Seizures: Focal seizures that spread to involve both hemispheres of the brain, resulting in generalized tonic-clonic activity.

Other Types:

Febrile Seizures: These seizures occur in young children as a result of fever, typically between the ages of 6 months and 5 years. They are usually brief and do not cause long-term harm.

Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures: Some seizures may mimic epileptic seizures but are not caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. These may be due to psychological factors or other medical conditions.

It's important to note that within each type of seizure, there can be variations in presentation and severity. Proper diagnosis and classification of seizures are essential for determining appropriate treatment and management strategies. 

Further Reading:

Alexander, M. & Belle, R. (2017) Advanced EMT: A Clinical Reasoning Approach (2nd Ed). Hoboken, New Jersey: Pearson Education

Bledsoe, B. E., Cherry, R. A. & Porter, R. S (2023) Paramedic Care: Principles and Practice Volume 2 (6th Ed) Pearson.

Mistovich, J. J. & Karren, K. J. (2014) Prehospital Emergency Care (11th Ed). Hoboken, New Jersey: Pearson Education

Online Resources:

EpilepsyU

EMS Neurological Emergencies - Seizure Disorders

EMS Providers play a crucial role in managing seizure disorders in prehospital settings. Here are key points they need to know:

Understanding Seizure Disorders: EMS providers should have a basic understanding of seizure disorders, including their causes, types, and manifestations. 

Seizures can vary widely in presentation, from generalized tonic-clonic seizures (formerly known as grand mal seizures) to focal seizures with or without impaired awareness.

Assessment & Initial Management: Upon arrival at the scene, EMS providers should assess the patient's airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs) to ensure immediate life-saving interventions if necessary. They should also assess the patient's level of consciousness, vital signs, and any signs of injury.

Patient Safety: Ensuring patient safety is paramount during a seizure. EMS providers should protect the patient from injury by removing any nearby objects that could cause harm and placing them in a safe position, such as lying on their side to prevent aspiration.

Duration of Seizure: EMS providers should note the duration of the seizure. If a seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes (or according to local protocols), it is considered a medical emergency known as status epilepticus and requires prompt intervention.

Medication & Intervention: EMS providers may administer medications such as benzodiazepines (e.g., Midazolam, Lorazepam) to terminate prolonged seizures. Intravenous access should be established if possible to administer medications effectively.

Continuous Monitoring: EMS providers should continuously monitor the patient's vital signs and level of consciousness throughout the seizure and during transport to the hospital. They should also be prepared to manage any complications that may arise, such as respiratory compromise or injury.

Documentation & Communication: Accurate documentation of the seizure event, including its onset, duration, and any interventions performed, is essential for continuity of care. EMS providers should also communicate effectively with receiving healthcare providers to ensure seamless transition of care.

Patient Education & Follow-up: After the seizure episode, EMS providers may provide education to the patient and their caregivers on seizure management, including medication adherence and seizure precautions. They should also ensure appropriate follow-up care with a healthcare provider.

By understanding seizure disorders and following appropriate protocols and guidelines, EMS providers can effectively manage seizures in prehospital settings and improve patient outcomes. 

Ongoing training and education in the management of neurological emergencies are essential for EMS personnel.

Further Reading:

Alexander, M. & Belle, R. (2017) Advanced EMT: A Clinical Reasoning Approach (2nd Ed). Hoboken, New Jersey: Pearson Education

Bledsoe, B. E., Cherry, R. A. & Porter, R. S (2023) Paramedic Care: Principles and Practice Volume 2 (6th Ed) Pearson.

Mistovich, J. J. & Karren, K. J. (2014) Prehospital Emergency Care (11th Ed). Hoboken, New Jersey: Pearson Education

Online Resources:

EpilepsyU