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Overview
Seizures are sometimes a side effect of other diseases or conditions of the body. Cerebral palsy patients sometimes suffer from seizures that have no direct trigger. Uncontrolled and unmonitored seizures can unfortunately result in serious injury or death. This article will explore the types of seizures, care and medication as related to cerebral palsy.
Features
Cerebral palsy is a neurological condition that affects muscle control in the body. Although there is no specific identified cause, cerebral palsy is thought to be a result of the motor control area in the brain. This injury happens either during the gestation and birthing stages of a baby or early infancy. Cerebral palsy is not a disease, but there is no cure for it. However, extensive treatment can reduce the effects over time.
Seizures
A seizure happens when there is a sudden change in behavior due to the brain engaging in abnormal electrical activity. Most seizure disorders develop during childhood or late adulthood. If a seizure doesn't have a specific trigger like a fever, it is known as epilepsy or an idiopathic seizure.
Cerebral Palsy and Seizures
Tonic-clonic seizures are associated with cerebral palsy patients. Nearly half of children with cerebral palsy experience them. When a tonic-clonic seizure happens, the patient's entire brain is affected by the electrical disturbance. The seizure victim may fall unconscious for a short period during the tonic phase with a sudden tensioning of the muscles. During the clonic phase, muscles would rapidly contract and relax. A victim may fall asleep afterwards and wake up with confusion or amnesia.
Seizure Care
It is suggested by the Caring For Cerebral Palsy website that no attempt to should be made to stop the seizure once it begins. Instead, seizures should be monitored and the surrounding environment should be made safe for victims. Children should be put into a laying position and on a protected surface with head support. 911 should be called if there is a color change, breathing problems occur, seizures are repetitive with no break, or a seizure lasts longer than 10 minutes.
Medication
The same medications used to treat epilepsy patients are typically prescribed to cerebral palsy patients as well. Those medications include Carbatrol, Zarontin, Depakene or Dialantin. As with many drugs, there are potential side effects that include dizziness, nausea, vomiting or drowsiness. Depakene can contribute to liver toxicity and temporary hair loss, while Dialantin can slow motor speed or cause excessive hair growth.
