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Seizures following a TBI
Sun, 12/31/2017 - 07:49Topic: Family & Friends
Hello all, my brother suffered a TBI almost 2 years ago following an assault. He has had four seizures since then. My family has no prior experience with seizures, and the first two times he had them we basically freaked out. Called an ambulance, made him go to the hospital for evaluation. He wasn't happy following each of those, so the past two since the seizure didn't last long and he came to rather quickly we didn't have him go. From what I understand he takes Kepra for the seizures, though he is quite reticent about the whole situation and doesn't like to talk about his injury or the seizures. I'm not sure what I'm looking for in this forum except maybe someone who has dealt with a similar situation and can provide advice or comfort. Thanks in advance.
Comments
Great advice from Amy Jo. I
Submitted by birdman on Sun, 2017-12-31 - 17:01
Great advice from Amy Jo. I want to add that for myself, talking about seizures was especially uncomfortable back forty years ago when I was yet trying to understand what was happening. The sensations I had were so strong and odd (sour smell, de ja vu) that I was sure others would think I was crazy. (This was for the small seizures that I had where I did not lose awareness) It can be hard to talk about any unusual thoughts or feelings your brother may be experiencing. There is a good chance he is not having any of these, but if he ever has the courage to share don't freak out or laugh; remain calm and listen.I imagine the seizures that caused your family to freak out were the bigger ones which left your brother unconscious. I have smaller seizures which leave me unaware and confused, and I have had the big ones that throw me to the floor shaking and jerking. Either way these events are not something very comfortable to talk about, especially with family. Your brother misses out on what happens and get said. He has to rely upon family to be honest about all this information. The things that I have been told have happened during my seizures have often been silly and strange. I'm glad that I don't know everything. Again, don't freak out or call the ambulance if they last less then 5 minutes. This will help your brother feel more comfortable and accepted when he recovers.
unless it’s a first seizure
Submitted by Amy Jo on Sun, 2017-12-31 - 08:24
unless it’s a first seizure or an emergency (= seizure that doesn’t stop within 5 min or clusters of seizures that don’t stop within 5 min) then going to an emergency department is not helpful. you can read more about seizure first aid on this site. know that most seizures are not emergencies and that freaking out is counterproductive. if your family member has an approachable moment and you are prepared to put aside your preconceptions and really listen, ask what he wants from you to best support him.