Pete is on MC....

Pete had another relapse on Tuesday (4 March). This is his 4th episode since last year & the 3rd one since the beginning of this year. The seizures were too close & they happened every month since January 08.

Pete is diagnosed with Epilepsy. He was admitted to the A&E & hospitalised on Tuesday after 2 attacks at 6am & 10am. Pete was actually doing the graveyard shift till 3.30am before heading home to rest.

An EEG scan was done on Pete yesterday. He was discharged yesterday & on one week's medical leave. A review would be done on his scan in about 8-10 weeks time. The doctors concluded that stress & sleep deprivation triggered this attack. Most importantly Pete needs to remember to faithfully take his medication. A memo was given by the Neuro clinic addressed to Pete's company to refrain him from working overly long hours. I do hope that this memo will not penalise Pete in his work.

Below is a summary on Pete's condition:

What is a Seizure? A seizure is an abnormal electrical discharge of a group of brain cells. Seizures can produce a variety of symptoms, depending on the location of the seizure focus and the spread of the electrical activity through the brain.

What is Epilepsy? A person has epilepsy when he/she has more than 1 episode of epileptic seizures.


Triggers of Seizures

Forgetting to take medication
Stress
Lack of sleep
Menstruation
Concurrent infection like flu or fever

What to do when someone is having a seizure
Do
Remain calm
Protect the person from harm
Turn the person to the side
Observe the type and duration of seizure

Do Not
Restrain the person unless there is danger
Put anything in the mouth
Crowd around the person

What is Status Epilepticus?
Continuous seizures for more than 5 to 10 minutes; or
Seizures on and off, each lasting less that 5 minutes, but without regaining consciousness in between seizures.

Status Epilepticus is a medical emergency. Send the person to the hospital or call 995.