Sapphire Institute for Medical Cannabis Education In Association with the Society of Cannabis Clinicians UK Chapter
<h3><span style=”color: #16487b; font-size: 22px; font-weight: 400;”>A seizure is caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain resulting in a short disturbance of consciousness, muscle function, sensations, behaviour, emotions, or a combination of these.</span></h3><p>Seizures can be classified as generalised (where the electrical activity affects all of the brain) or focal (where the electrical activity stays in one part of the brain).</p><p>High temperatures, low oxygen levels, low blood sugar levels or poisons can cause a seizure.</p><p>Epilepsy however is defined by having at least two unprovoked seizures more than 24 hours apart. 1 in 100 people have epilepsy in the UK.</p>
<p>In generalised seizures the symptoms tend to involve the whole body and are accompanied by impaired consciousness. Types of generalised seizure are defined by their symptoms:</p><ul><li>Tonic seizures – stiffening of the body;</li><li>Clonic seizures – jerking movements due to uncontrolled muscle contractions;</li><li>Tonic-clonic seizures – the most common generalised seizure. Involves stiffening of the body with jerking movements;</li><li>Absence seizures – brief loss of consciousness without changes to body tone or movements;</li><li>Atonic seizures – body becomes limp and associated with falls;</li><li>Myoclonic seizures – brief, sudden contraction of muscles.</li></ul><p> </p><p>Focal seizures depend on which part of the brain they start in:</p><ul><li>Focal motor seizures – jerking movement beginning in the hand and traveling up the arm or specific movements including head turning, eye movements and lip smacking;</li><li>Focal sensory seizures – disturbances of one of either: sensations, emotions or behaviour.</li></ul><p> </p><p>People often experience symptoms after seizure including drowsiness, memory-impairment, injury and aching arms or legs.</p>
<p>In many people no cause for epilepsy can be identified.</p><p>Some people with epilepsy are susceptible to seizures after specific triggers including:</p><ul><li>Stress;</li><li>Sleep deprivation;</li><li>Low blood sugar levels;</li><li>Strobe lighting;</li><li>Alcohol excess;</li><li>Infections</li></ul>
<p>In addition to a thorough history and examination other investigations are useful in helping diagnose epilepsy as other conditions may mimic seizures.</p><p>Blood tests and cardiovascular assessments such as ECGs, blood pressure monitoring and an echocardiogram can help rule out cardiac and metabolic causes for loss of consciousness.</p><p>An Electroencephalograph (EEG) can be used to record electrical activity of the brain. A normal test does not rule out epilepsy.</p><p>Brain scans using computer tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET) can all be used to examine for specific underlying brain abnormalities.</p>
<p>Epilepsy – Adult/Child <strong>Treatment</strong></p>
<p>GPs are encouraged to refer to a neurology specialist with expertise in epilepsy to instigate treatment. The mainstays of treatment are anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs).</p><p>The type of epilepsy, age, biological sex and other medications affect the first-line AED for each person. More specialist treatments can include surgery and vagal nerve stimulation.</p><p>Medicinal cannabis can be considered when first line therapies have not achieved adequate seizure control.</p>
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