I can not stress this enough: It is of the utmost importance to obtain an observer account, with as much information as possible, if you have a seizure (provided an observer is there.) Most people with Epilepsy already know this. However, if you are an observer, here are some things that you should definitely know.
Time the event. Seizure duration periods can indicate any possible risks to the individual’s health. Make as many observations regarding the person: What did they do? What did they look like? What did they say, if anything? Were they responsive or unresponsive to anything you might have said?
Then, if EMS was called, how long did it take for them to arrive? It is still also important to continue observing the person that is having the seizure at this point. Are they still seizing? If so, the same as above. If not, what is now happening? How is the person? How are they feeling, acting, responding? Are you still keeping an eye on the clock? What time is it now? When EMS arrives, make notes on what they do as well.
I know. That is a lot to take in! It can be very hard to do. I know this because I have had to go over my seizure events with several “observers.” Several times! It makes me feel like a pest. However, it is important.
To give you an example of how difficult this can be, let me tell you how I have now garnered a bit more information that may make a bit more sense to do with my (first) tonic-clonic seizure. This happened on September 02, 2009. I spoke to my friend J. today, who was my “observer.” J. has seen me seize before. Even though this was an entirely new situation, it still demonstrates how things can be “missed,” or “forgotten,” and why accuracy is so important.
Now, don’t be scared as this was all very confusing! It happened very fast! Unfortunately, that is how some seizures do occur.
Initially, I had a problem with the “logistics,” shall we say, of how I got from our table to where I ended up on the ground. There was some distance involved. You see, people who have tonic-clonic seizures do not “fly out of their chairs!” No. At least I have never heard or read of such a case. Typically, they fall to the ground. Well, more than “typically.” They just do.
Apparently, I did not do that! J. originally told me I did. Well, not that I “flew out of my chair.” Just that I “fell to the ground.” Hence, me being rather confuzzled.
I’ve been sort of laughing all day about it, even though it is not funny at all! *laughing* I’m sorry. I’m getting a bit punchy, perhaps, from still being on “Bed Rest.” The damn tonic-clonic has made me so ill, I can not leave my home! Which I do believe is completely abnormal, but see the rest of my blog regarding all of that. Also, I am getting a visual of myself, and I know my own seizure history, so I am finding it even more amusing. Still, seizures are not funny! You got that?
So, what did I do? I very calmly sat up from my chair, pushed it back, and stood up from the table. I turned around, and took about a step or two, and then laid down on the ground.
Then…I…EXPLODED! *laughing again*
I’m sorry. I started this post on a very serious note. Seizure accounts, and their accuracy are extremely important.
J. also initially told me that the time he tried to track, was app. 5 minutes. Now, the story is what? Somewhere between 5-10 minutes?
Alright, all silliness aside, let’s review what happened here. Also, bear in mind that I have no memory of any of this.
We have, with all certainty, confirmed that it was impossible for me to do some acrobatic, arabesque from a plastic, patio chair. Yes.
Me getting up in my nonchalant manner, going for what appeared be such a casual (albeit brief) stroll, then a nap(?) was a Complex Partial Seizure. Presumably. This is because I looked completely aware and awake, fully functional, but oh, no. Au contraire. Wee PA was completely unconscious. Depending upon what you may read and where, some folks say that you may retain some consciousness during a Complex Partial. Me? Oh, dear. Not one iota with any that I’ve had. At least that I recall… *rolls eyes*
Sorry, terrible one there. I’ll try to keep myself under wraps from here on in.
Rather interesting? A different story, now. At first I was told that I had no prior seizure events and immediately had the tonic-clonic. tonic-clonic seizures are classified as, or called “Generalized” seizures because they effect your entire brain. The neuronal activity or discharges occur everywhere. Complex Partials (as well as Simple Partials) are called “Partial” seizures in that, they affect only certain areas of the brain. However, in this case (my case), the Complex Partial led directly to a tonic-clonic. That is completely your basic, textbook Epilepsy!
It was another thing that was on my mind. Yes, you can have a tonic-clonic without any prior Partial seizures but it struck me as a little odd. I have such a huge history of Simple Partial and Complex Partial Seizures! Why was there no preceding Partial?
Well, apparently there was. Or there is a high suspicion of one. Although, it was extremely brief! So much so, that I didn’t even know it happened! For both the Complex Partial and the tonic-clonic, I was unconscious (you’re always unconscious for a tonic-clonic.) That’s why observer accounts are that important. Now I can tell Non-Arsey Neuro that instead of one seizure that night, you can pretty much bet I had two!
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