Understanding the Fatal Five Preventable Health Risks in I/DD - Seizures
When supporting people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) or aging adults, understanding preventable health risks is critical. The “Fatal Five” refers to five serious conditions—aspiration, dehydration, constipation, seizures, and sepsis—that can be life-threatening if not properly addressed. Here we will focuses on seizures, its risks, and strategies for prevention and care.
A Guide to Understanding Epilepsy and Seizures
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures—sudden bursts of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. These events can affect either a small area or the entire brain, leading to various types of seizures. Witnessing a seizure can be intimidating, but staying calm and prepared is key.
Types of Seizures
Seizures fall into three main categories:
Focal Seizures: Start in a specific area of the brain and include:
Focal Onset Aware Seizures: The person remains awake and aware. These episodes are brief and often involve motionlessness.
Focal Onset Impaired Awareness Seizures: The person appears confused or unaware of their surroundings.
Generalized Seizures: Affect both sides of the brain simultaneously and include types such as tonic-clonic, absence, and atonic seizures.
Unknown Seizures: Occur without a witness and may later be classified as focal or generalized.
Phases of a Seizure
Seizures typically have three stages:
Beginning Phase: Early sensory changes (e.g., seeing lights, feeling twitches).
Middle Phase: Disruptions in sensation, movement, or consciousness.
End Phase: Recovery (postictal phase), where fatigue and other aftereffects, such as tongue biting or loss of bladder control, are common.
Common Triggers
Certain factors increase seizure likelihood, including:
Sleep deprivation
Fever or infections
Flashing lights or sensory stimuli
Medication non-compliance
Stress, low blood sugar, or hormonal changes
Recognizing and addressing these triggers can reduce seizure frequency.
Responding to a Seizure
If someone has a seizure:
Stay calm and remain with them.
Keep them safe by moving hazards away.
Turn them on their side and place something soft under their head.
Do not put anything in their mouth.
Time the seizure and check for medical ID.
Call 911 if the seizure lasts over five minutes, the person is injured, pregnant, or has repeated seizures without regaining consciousness.
Emergency Plans and Medications
Follow the individual’s emergency seizure plan, which may include the use of rectal, nasal, or oral rescue medications. Some people use devices like a Vagus Nerve Stimulator (VNS) to manage seizures.
Key Takeaways
Understanding epilepsy, recognizing seizure triggers, and knowing how to respond can save lives and ensure safety. Always follow medical care plans and training protocols to provide the best support.
Epilepsy awareness starts with education—empower yourself and others to make a difference!