Drgawki toniczno-kloniczne (drgawki duże)
Zapobieganie i profilaktyka

Drgawki toniczno-kloniczne stanowią poważny typ napadów padaczkowych, wymagający indywidualnie dobranej profilaktyki farmakologicznej. Podstawą leczenia są leki przeciwpadaczkowe, takie jak walproinian sodu (pierwszy wybór, z wykluczeniem kobiet w wieku rozrodczym ze względu na teratogenność), lamotrygina (od 2 roku życia), lewetyracetam (od 6 roku życia), perampanel (terapia dodana od 12 roku życia) oraz topiramat (monoterapia od 2 roku życia). Dawkowanie powinno być stopniowo zwiększane zgodnie z zaleceniami, a w przypadku nieskuteczności monoterapii rozważa się terapię skojarzoną. W profilaktyce istotne jest także unikanie czynników wyzwalających napady, takich jak deprywacja snu, alkohol, stres, migające światła oraz nadużywanie leków lub substancji rekreacyjnych.

Profilaktyka drgawek toniczno-klonicznych (drgawek dużych)

Drgawki toniczno-kloniczne (drgawki duże) są poważnym i potencjalnie niebezpiecznym rodzajem napadów padaczkowych. Chociaż napady nie zawsze są całkowicie możliwe do zapobieżenia, istnieje wiele strategii profilaktycznych, które mogą znacząco zmniejszyć ryzyko ich występowania lub nawet całkowicie je wyeliminować u niektórych pacjentów.1

Farmakologiczne metody profilaktyki

Leczenie przeciwdrgawkowe stanowi podstawę profilaktyki drgawek toniczno-klonicznych. Wybór odpowiedniego leku przeciwpadaczkowego powinien być dostosowany indywidualnie do pacjenta, z uwzględnieniem typu padaczki, częstości napadów i potencjalnych działań niepożądanych.12

Przed rozpoczęciem profilaktycznej farmakoterapii przeciwpadaczkowej u pacjenta z nowo zdiagnozowanymi drgawkami toniczno-klonicznymi, lekarz powinien upewnić się, że:1

  • Pacjent jednoznacznie doświadcza drgawek toniczno-klonicznych, wykluczając niepadaczkowe napady napadowe
  • Pacjent wymaga profilaktycznego leczenia przeciwpadaczkowego
  • Wybrano najbardziej odpowiedni lek przeciwpadaczkowy dla konkretnego pacjenta
  • Dawka początkowa i jej zwiększanie są zgodne z odpowiednimi zaleceniami, wiekiem i indywidualnymi potrzebami pacjenta

1

W przypadku drgawek toniczno-klonicznych, zgodnie z dowodami naukowymi, skuteczność wykazują następujące leki:123

  • Walproinian sodu – może być lekiem pierwszego wyboru ze względu na skuteczność we wszystkich typach napadów uogólnionych, jednak należy go zdecydowanie unikać u kobiet w wieku rozrodczym z powodu wysokiego ryzyka teratogenności oraz problemów poznawczych u dziecka, a także u osób z problemami z wagą
  • Lamotrygina – zatwierdzony do leczenia pierwotnie uogólnionych napadów toniczno-klonicznych u pacjentów od 2 roku życia
  • Lewetyracetam – zatwierdzony do leczenia pierwotnie uogólnionych napadów toniczno-klonicznych u pacjentów od 6 roku życia z idiopatyczną padaczką uogólnioną
  • Perampanel – jako terapia dodana w leczeniu pierwotnie uogólnionych napadów toniczno-klonicznych u pacjentów od 12 roku życia
  • Topiramat – zatwierdzony jako początkowa monoterapia w pierwotnie uogólnionych napadach toniczno-klonicznych u pacjentów od 2 roku życia

123

Inne leki stosowane w profilaktyce drgawek toniczno-klonicznych obejmują:1

  • Etosuksymid (zatwierdzony przez FDA do kontroli napadów toniczno-klonicznych)
  • Fosfenytoina (zatwierdzony do leczenia stanu padaczkowego toniczno-klonicznego oraz jako profilaktyka napadów występujących podczas neurochirurgii)
  • Fenytoina (stosowana w leczeniu napadów toniczno-klonicznych oraz w profilaktyce napadów występujących podczas lub po neurochirurgii)
  • Prymidon (zatwierdzony do leczenia napadów toniczno-klonicznych, skroniowych i ogniskowych)
  • Lakozamid (stosowany z innymi lekami przeciwpadaczkowymi u pacjentów od 4 roku życia z pierwotnie uogólnionymi napadami toniczno-klonicznymi)
  • Klobazam (jako leczenie wspomagające w opornej na leczenie padaczce)
  • Karbamazepina (może być rozważana jako terapia dodana w przypadkach opornych)
  • Zonisamid

112

Znalezienie odpowiedniego leku i dawkowania może być wyzwaniem. Lekarz prawdopodobnie przepisze początkowo pojedynczy lek w stosunkowo niskiej dawce, a następnie może stopniowo zwiększać dawkę, aż napady będą dobrze kontrolowane.1

Aby zapewnić najlepszą możliwą kontrolę napadów, należy przyjmować leki dokładnie zgodnie z zaleceniami. Większość pacjentów z padaczką jest w stanie zapobiegać napadom stosując tylko jeden lek, ale inni mogą potrzebować więcej niż jednego. Jeśli pacjent wypróbował dwa lub więcej schematów monoterapii bez powodzenia, może być konieczne zastosowanie kombinacji leków.11

Niefarmakologiczne metody profilaktyki

Gdy leki przeciwpadaczkowe nie są skuteczne, można rozważyć inne metody leczenia:12

  • Terapia dietetycznadieta ketogeniczna (wysoka zawartość tłuszczu i białka, niska zawartość węglowodanów) może poprawić kontrolę napadów. Istnieją również jej mniej restrykcyjne warianty, takie jak dieta o niskim indeksie glikemicznym czy zmodyfikowana dieta Atkinsa
  • Leczenie chirurgiczne – celem operacji jest zatrzymanie napadów. Może być opcją, jeśli pacjent wypróbował dwa różne leki i nie zapobiegają one napadom. Zarówno operacja otwarta, jak i minimalnie inwazyjna chirurgia nożem gamma są w stanie przeprowadzić tę procedurę
  • Stymulacja nerwu błędnego – procedura, w której nerwy błędne są stymulowane impulsami elektrycznymi. W tym leczeniu implant jest umieszczany u pacjenta i uwalnia impulsy elektryczne, gdy występuje nieprawidłowe zachowanie mózgu, tłumiąc aktywność i zapobiegając napadom
  • Wszczepiane neurostymulatory mózgowe

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Identyfikacja i unikanie czynników wyzwalających

Jednym z najważniejszych aspektów profilaktyki jest unikanie czynników wyzwalających napady. Pacjenci powinni być zdecydowanie ostrzegani przed powszechnymi czynnikami prowokującymi napady:12

  • Deprywacja snu, szczególnie z wczesnym budzeniem się – regularne godziny snu i odpowiednia ilość odpoczynku są kluczowe
  • Spożywanie alkoholu – alkohol może wyzwalać napady, szczególnie jeśli spożywa się dużą ilość jednorazowo
  • Stres – może być czynnikiem wyzwalającym padaczkę; ćwiczenia mogą pomóc zmniejszyć stres
  • Migające światła (u osób wrażliwych na fotostymulację)
  • Nadużywanie leków na receptę lub substancji rekreacyjnych – zarówno nadużywanie, jak i odstawienie mogą prowadzić do napadów

1234

Unikanie czynników wyzwalających powinno być również podkreślane przyjaciołom i członkom rodziny, ponieważ pacjenci mogą nie przestrzegać tych zaleceń. Dlatego pacjenci, a także bliscy przyjaciele i rodzina powinni być przyjmowani, jeśli to możliwe, po każdym nawrocie, aby wyjaśnić obecność potencjalnego czynnika wyzwalającego i ponownie podkreślić potrzebę jego unikania.1

Profilaktyka napadów u dzieci z gorączką

W przypadku dziecka, które miało drgawki gorączkowe w przeszłości, należy:1

  • Podać acetaminofen lub ibuprofen przy pierwszych oznakach gorączki, w odpowiedniej dawce dostosowanej do wagi dziecka
  • Stosować czopki obniżające gorączkę, jeśli zostały przepisane przez lekarza
  • Ubrać dziecko w lekkie, luźne ubrania
  • Stosować okłady z myjek nasączonych letnią (nie zimną) wodą na czoło i szyję dziecka
  • Przemywać ramiona, nogi i tułów dziecka letnią wodą (nie stosować zimnej wody, lodu ani alkoholu do nacierania)
  • Kontynuować próby obniżenia gorączki, aż spadnie do 38,3°C (101°F) lub mniej

1

Dodatkowe środki zapobiegawcze

Oprócz farmakoterapii i unikania czynników wyzwalających, dodatkowe środki profilaktyczne obejmują:12

  • Zdrowa dieta i utrzymanie prawidłowej wagi – zarządzanie dietą może pomóc uniknąć chorób układu krążenia i stanów takich jak udar mózgu, a także problemów z elektrolitami
  • Leczenie infekcji – zmniejsza ryzyko napadów z powodu infekcji lub wysokiej gorączki związanej z infekcją
  • Noszenie sprzętu ochronnego – kask lub pasy bezpieczeństwa mogą pomóc uniknąć napadów związanych z urazem głowy
  • Zarządzanie przewlekłymi schorzeniami – mogą one często bezpośrednio powodować napady lub przyczyniać się do innych stanów związanych z napadami (np. kontrolowanie poziomu cukru we krwi w przypadku cukrzycy)
  • Odpowiednia opieka prenatalna dla kobiet w ciąży – pomaga uniknąć powikłań, które mogłyby przyczynić się do rozwoju zaburzeń drgawkowych u płodu
  • Szczepienia dzieci – ważne jest, aby zaszczepić dziecko przeciwko chorobom, które mogą negatywnie wpływać na ich ośrodkowy układ nerwowy i przyczyniać się do zaburzeń drgawkowych
  • Noszenie bransoletki medycznej – powinna zawierać informacje o stanie zdrowia i przyjmowanych lekach
  • Urządzenia alarmowe dla osób z padaczką – mogą ostrzegać innych, gdy występuje napad

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Ryzyko nawrotu i decyzja o rozpoczęciu leczenia

Około jednej trzeciej dorosłych doświadcza drugiego napadu w ciągu roku od nieprowokowanego napadu, a prawie połowa doświadcza drugiego napadu w ciągu dwóch lat. Czynniki ryzyka takie jak napad nocny, nieprawidłowości w EEG, nieprawidłowe obrazowanie mózgu i historia urazu mózgu więcej niż podwajają ryzyko nawrotu napadu.1

Decyzja o rozpoczęciu leczenia przeciwpadaczkowego opiera się na ocenie ryzyka nawrotu napadu u pacjenta. Szacowane ryzyko nawrotu oparte na czynnikach lub wynikach badań można przedstawić wraz z ryzykiem i korzyściami stosowania leków w celu wspólnego podejmowania decyzji. Odmowa leczenia jest uzasadniona, szczególnie bez czynników ryzyka.12

Leki zmniejszają bezwzględne ryzyko nawrotu napadu o 35% w ciągu pierwszych dwóch lat leczenia przy natychmiastowym rozpoczęciu podawania leków przeciwpadaczkowych po pierwszym napadzie. Korzyść z leków przeciwpadaczkowych słabnie z czasem. Pacjenci, którzy nie rozpoczęli leczenia lekami przeciwpadaczkowymi, mają równoważne wskaźniki napadów między trzecim a piątym rokiem jak pacjenci, którzy rozpoczęli leczenie przeciwpadaczkowe po pierwszym napadzie.1

Pomimo wczesnego zmniejszenia liczby napadów, jakość życia nie ulega poprawie dzięki lekom. Leki przeciwpadaczkowe nie wpływają na śmiertelność po pierwszym lub kolejnym napadzie. Do 31% pacjentów zgłasza działania niepożądane leków przeciwpadaczkowych. Większość działań niepożądanych jest łagodna i odwracalna, ale obejmują zmiany poznawcze, trudności z koordynacją, senność i zmiany osobowości.1

Wskazówki dla profesjonalistów medycznych

Dla lekarzy dentystów i innych specjalistów medycznych, którzy mogą mieć do czynienia z pacjentami zagrożonymi drgawkami toniczno-klonicznymi, zaleca się:1

  • Identyfikację pacjentów z grupy ryzyka
  • Eliminację znanych czynników przyczynowych lub wyzwalających (jeśli to możliwe)
  • Potwierdzenie przestrzegania chemioterapii przeciwdrgawkowej
  • Redukcję lęku
  • Zapewnienie głębokiego znieczulenia miejscowego
  • Stosowanie środków znieczulenia miejscowego zawierających wazokonstriktor odpowiedni do wydolności funkcjonalnej pacjenta

1

Kiedy wezwać pogotowie

Należy wezwać pogotowie, jeśli:1

  • Faza sztywnienia i szarpania napadu toniczno-klonicznego trwa dłużej niż 5 minut
  • Jeden poważny napad następuje po drugim bez pełnego powrotu do przytomności pomiędzy nimi
  • Osoba uderza głową podczas napadu i nie ma oznak odzyskania świadomości w ciągu 10 minut od ustania drgawek
  • Napad wystąpił w wodzie i podejrzewa się, że woda została wdychana

1

Drgawki toniczno-kloniczne są poważnym stanem, który wymaga kompleksowego podejścia do profilaktyki. Indywidualne dostosowanie strategii farmakologicznych i niefarmakologicznych, wraz z edukacją pacjenta i jego bliskich na temat rozpoznawania i unikania czynników wyzwalających, może znacznie zmniejszyć częstość występowania napadów i poprawić jakość życia pacjentów.1

Kolejne rozdziały

Zapraszamy do dalszego czytania naszego leksykonu.

Wybierz kolejny rozdział z menu poniżej, aby otworzyć nową podstronę kompedium wiedzy i uzyskać szczegółowe informację o leku, substancji lub chorobie.

  1. 10.04.2026
  2. www.leksykon.com.pl

Materiały źródłowe

  • #1 Epilepsy with generalized tonic-clonic seizures alone | MedLink Neurology
    https://www.medlink.com/articles/epilepsy-with-generalized-tonic-clonic-seizures-alone
    GTCS are severe and potentially dangerous epileptic seizures. Proper advice in regard to precipitating factors, circadian distribution, and antiepileptic treatment may significantly reduce their occurrence or render the patient seizure-free. Assessing the risks and implementing the necessary safety procedures are important steps in preventing trauma and fatal accidents. The possibility of SUDEP should be discussed and considered. […] One of the most important aspects of management is avoidance of precipitating factors. Patients should be firmly warned of the common seizure precipitants (sleep deprivation with early awakening and alcohol consumption) and when possible should avoid occupational night shifts. The avoidance of seizure triggers should also be stressed to friends and family members because patients may not comply with these recommendations. Therefore, patients as well as close friends and family should be seen, if possible, after every recurrence to clarify the presence of a potential trigger and re-emphasize the need of trigger avoidance. Safety measures should be strengthened in periods of increased susceptibility to GTCS, such as having a shower rather than a bath and keeping the door open when showering in the morning after awakening.
  • #1 Generalized onset tonic-clonic seizures | MedLink Neurology
    https://www.medlink.com/articles/generalized-onset-tonic-clonic-seizures
    Avoidance of precipitating factors and appropriate prophylactic antiepileptic drug treatment are important. […] Most seizures and syndromes of idiopathic generalized epilepsy respond well to the appropriate antiseizure drug, but treatment is often life-long. […] Prophylactic antiseizure drug therapy of patients with newly identified GTCS of idiopathic generalized epilepsy. Before starting prophylactic antiepileptic medication in a patient with newly diagnosed PGTCS, a physician should be confident of the following: (1) The patient unequivocally has GTCS. This requires definite exclusion of non-epileptic paroxysmal seizures and FBGTCS. (2) The patient needs prophylactic antiseizure drug treatment. This requires precise diagnosis of etiology, epileptic syndrome, frequency, and severity of GTCS; the likelihood of relapse or remission; precipitating factors and patient/family concerns; and understanding of the risks versus the benefits of the antiseizure drug. Hard-and-fast rules are not always applicable. (3) The most appropriate antiseizure drug is selected for this particular patient with this particular type of epileptic syndrome. The appropriate antiseizure drug is that which is the most likely to be truly prophylactic as monotherapy for the seizures of the patient without causing undue adverse reactions. (4) The starting dose and titration of the selected drug should be in accordance with the appropriate recommendations, the age, and, primarily, the particular needs of the treated patient. All these should be thoroughly explained to the patient/guardian and ensured that they are well understood.
  • #1 Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizures Medication: Anticonvulsant Agents
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1184608-medication
    The goals of pharmacotherapy are to reduce seizure frequency, severity, and morbidity and prevent complications with the least side effects. The agents used for tonic-clonic seizures include anticonvulsants such as valproate, lamotrigine, levetiracetam, felbamate, topiramate, zonisamide, clobazam, and perampanel. […] These agents prevent seizure recurrence and terminate clinical and electrical seizure activity. […] Primidone decreases neuron excitability and increases the seizure threshold. […] Perampanel is indicated as adjunctive treatment for primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures and for partial-onset seizures (with or without secondary generalized seizures) in adults and children aged 12 years or older. […] Clobazam has been approved as adjunct treatment for refractory epilepsy, specifically LGS, in pediatric and adult patients.
  • #1 Medications for Epilepsy and Seizures (Medication Search Tool) – CURE Epilepsy
    https://www.cureepilepsy.org/understanding-epilepsy/treatments-and-therapies/epilepsy-medications/
    Ethotoin (ETH-oh-toin) has been approved by the FDA to control tonic-clonic (grand mal) and focal-onset impaired awareness (psychomotor) seizures. […] Fosphenytoin sodium (fos FEN i toyn) has been approved by the FDA to treat tonic-clonic status epilepticus and as prevention and/or treatment of seizures occurring during neurosurgery. […] Phenytoin (FEN i toyn) has been approved by the FDA to treat tonic-clonic (grand mal) psychomotor (temporal lobe) seizures, as well as for the prevention and treatment of seizures occurring during or following neurosurgery. […] Primidone (PRIM i done) has been approved by the FDA to treat tonic-clonic (grand mal), temporal lobe, and focal seizures. It may also control tonic-clonic seizures that are resistant to other anticonvulsant treatments. […] Lacosamide (la KOE sa mide) has been approved by the FDA to treat focal-onset seizures in patients 4 years of age and older and for use with other anti-seizure medications for patients 4 years and older with primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures.
  • #1 Generalized Tonic Clonic Seizure
    https://mobile.fpnotebook.com/Neuro/Seizure/GnrlzdTncClncSzr.htm
    Management […] Prophylaxis of Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizures in Children (age 16 years) […] Level C evidence […] Carbamazepine (Tegretol) […] Phenobarbital […] Phenytoin (Dilantin) […] Topiramate (Topamax) – also Level D evidence for use in Myoclonic Seizures […] Valproic Acid (Depakene) – also Level D evidence for use in Myoclonic Seizures […] Management […] Prophylaxis for both GTCS and Myoclonic Seizures in Younger Adults (age 16 years) […] Level C evidence […] Carbamazepine (Tegretol) […] Lamotrigine (Lamictal) […] Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal) […] Phenobarbital […] Phenytoin (Dilantin) […] Topiramate (Topamax) […] Valproic Acid (Depakene) […] Level D evidence […] Gabapentin (Neurontin) […] Levetiracetam (Keppra) […] Vigabatrin (Sabril)
  • #1 Tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizure // Middlesex Health
    https://middlesexhealth.org/learning-center/diseases-and-conditions/tonic-clonic-grand-mal-seizure
    Some people who have a tonic-clonic seizure dont have another one and don’t need treatment. But someone who has recurrent seizures may need treatment with daily anti-seizure medicines to control and prevent future tonic-clonic seizures. […] Treatment usually involves the use of anti-seizure medicines. […] Many medicines are used in the treatment of epilepsy and seizures. These are usually taken daily by mouth to help prevent seizures. […] Finding the right medicine and dosage can be challenging. A healthcare professional likely will prescribe a single medicine at a relatively low dosage, then may increase the dosage gradually until your seizures are well controlled. […] Many people with epilepsy are able to prevent seizures with just one medicine. But others need more than one. If you’ve tried two or more single-drug regimens without success, you may need to try a combination of medicines.
  • #1 Tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizure | UM Health-Sparrow
    https://www.uofmhealthsparrow.org/departments-conditions/conditions/tonic-clonic-grand-mal-seizure
    Some people who have a tonic-clonic seizure dont have another one and don’t need treatment. But someone who has recurrent seizures may need treatment with daily anti-seizure medicines to control and prevent future tonic-clonic seizures. […] Treatment usually involves the use of anti-seizure medicines. […] Many medicines are used in the treatment of epilepsy and seizures. These are usually taken daily by mouth to help prevent seizures. […] Finding the right medicine and dosage can be challenging. A healthcare professional likely will prescribe a single medicine at a relatively low dosage, then may increase the dosage gradually until your seizures are well controlled. […] Many people with epilepsy are able to prevent seizures with just one medicine. But others need more than one. If you’ve tried two or more single-drug regimens without success, you may need to try a combination of medicines.
  • #1 Tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizure // Middlesex Health
    https://middlesexhealth.org/learning-center/diseases-and-conditions/tonic-clonic-grand-mal-seizure
    For the best seizure control possible, take medicines exactly as prescribed. […] When anti-seizure medicines aren’t effective, other treatments may be an option: […] Dietary therapy. A diet that’s high in fat and protein and low in carbohydrates, known as a ketogenic diet, can improve seizure control. Variations on a ketogenic diet are less effective but may provide benefit. They include the low glycemic index diet and modified Atkins Diet. […] Women who’ve had previous seizures usually are able to have healthy pregnancies. […] In particular, valproic acid has been associated with cognitive deficits and neural tube defects, such as spina bifida. […] It’s also important to know that some anti-seizure medicines can make oral contraceptives a form of birth control less effective. […] Here are some steps you can take to help with seizure control:
  • #1 Epilepsy and Seizures
    https://www.rwjbh.org/treatment-care/neuroscience/neurology/treatments/epilepsy-seizures/
    A thorough neurodiagnostic assessment will need to be performed before epilepsy treatment can begin. Once your neurologist has determined the underlying cause of your condition, they can start prescribing treatment. […] An epilepsy management plan may involve: […] Antiepileptic drugs. There are several types of anti-seizure medications. Which type your doctor prescribes will depend on your specific condition. Medication may be so effective that the patient can stop taking it after a few seizure-free years. […] Dietary changes. Ketogenic diets have proven to be useful for preventing seizures in children. These diets are low in carbs and high in protein. This diet is effective because it releases ketones into the body, which shifts the body’s primary fuel source from carbohydrates to fats.
  • #1 Tonic-Clonic (Grand Mal) Seizure: Symptoms & Treatment
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22788-tonic-clonic-grand-mal-seizure
    Seizures can happen to anyone under the right circumstances, so seizures aren’t completely preventable. However, some people can have seizures more easily, so you can take certain proactive steps to lower your risk of them happening. […] The best things you can do to reduce your risk of having a seizure include: Eat a balanced diet and maintain a healthy weight. Managing your diet can help you avoid circulatory diseases and conditions such as stroke, as well as electrolyte problems (too much or too little sodium, for example). […] Don’t ignore infections. Treating infections reduces the risk of seizures because of an infection or with a high fever related to an infection. […] Wear safety equipment. Safety equipment, such as a helmet or safety belts or harnesses, can help you avoid seizures related to a head injury.
  • #1
    https://healthylife.com/hier/Seizures.html
    Febrile Seizure Prevention […] For a child who has had a febrile seizure in the past, give acetaminophen or ibuprofen at the first sign of a fever. Give the right kind and dose for his or her weight. Insert suppositories that lower fevers, instead, if prescribed by the child’s doctor. […] Dress the child in light, loose clothes. […] Apply washcloths rinsed in lukewarm (not cold) water to your child’s forehead and neck. Sponge the child’s arms, legs, and trunk with lukewarm water. Don’t use cold water, ice, or rubbing alcohol. […] Keep trying to bring the fever down until it is 101F or less.
  • #1 Seizures – treatments, symptoms, causes and prevention | healthdirect
    https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/seizures
    If you have been diagnosed with epilepsy, you the best way to prevent having seizures is by following your doctor’s advice and taking your medicines as prescribed. Don’t skip doses, or stop taking your medicine without first checking with your doctor. Ask your doctor for advice on how to avoid triggers. […] While not all seizures can be prevented, keeping yourself as safe as possible is important. You may get a warning sign, known as an 'aura’ such as a change in body temperature, vision problems or a strange taste in your mouth for example. If this happens to you, try to get to a safe place or position, and alert someone if possible. […] Sometimes, you can tell if someone you know is about to have a seizure. They may look different, their pupils may change size or they may act out of character. If you are able to notice when for someone you know is going to have a seizure, try to guide the person to a safe location.
  • #1 Evaluation After a First Seizure in Adults | AAFP
    https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2022/0500/p507.html
    About one-third of adults experience a second seizure within one year of an unprovoked seizure, and nearly one-half experience a second seizure within two years. The risk factors of nighttime seizure, EEG abnormalities, abnormal brain imaging, and history of brain insult more than double the risk of recurrent seizure. The decision to start anti-seizure medication is based on assessment of the patient’s risk of recurrent seizure. The patient’s estimated risk of recurrence based on factors or findings on workup can be provided with the medication risks and benefits for shared decision-making. Declining medication is reasonable, especially without risk factors. […] Medications reduce the absolute risk of seizure recurrence by 35% within the first two years of treatment with immediate initiation of anti-seizure medications after the first seizure. The benefit of anti-seizure medication wanes over time. Patients who do not start treatment with anti-seizure medication have equivalent seizure rates between three and five years as patients who started anti-seizure medication after the first seizure.
  • #1 Evaluation After a First Seizure in Adults | AAFP
    https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2022/0500/p507.html
    Despite early seizure reduction, quality of life is not improved with medication. Anti-seizure medications do not affect mortality after a first or subsequent seizure. Up to 31% of patients report adverse effects from anti-seizure medications. Most adverse effects are mild and reversible but include cognitive changes, coordination difficulty, somnolence, and personality changes. […] Patients may choose medication to shorten driving restrictions, because driving privileges often require a seizure-free period. Patients taking anti-seizure medication are more likely to be driving after two years.
  • #1 Seizures – Managing Adult Medical Emergencies in the Dental Office – Dentalcare
    https://www.dentalcare.com/en-us/ce-courses/ce516/seizures
    Identify at-risk patient […] Eliminate known causative or precipitating factors (if possible) […] Confirm compliance with anticonvulsant chemotherapy […] Reduce anxiety […] Ensure profound local anesthesia […] Use local anesthetic agents containing a vasoconstrictor congruent with the patients functional capacity.
  • #1 First Aid For Seizures | Matrix Neurology
    https://www.matrixneurology.co.uk/patient-information/first-aid-for-seizures/
    For convulsive epileptic seizures also known as tonic clonic, clonic or grand mal seizures. […] You should call and ambulance if: […] The stiffening and jerking phase of a tonic-clonic seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes. […] One major seizure follows another without full recovery in between. […] The person hits their head during the seizure and there is no sign of consciousness being regained within 10 minutes of the convulsions ceasing. […] The seizure has occurred in water and it is suspected that water has been inhaled.
  • #2 Tonic-Clonic (Grand Mal) Seizure | Cedars-Sinai
    https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/t/tonic-clonic-grand-mal-seizure.html
    Correct treatment can help reduce or prevent seizures. In some cases, treatment can help patients to remain free of seizures for the rest of their lives. […] Anti-seizure (or anti-epileptic) medications can be highly effective. It may take a few tries to get the right drug and right amount. Your doctor will work with you to monitor side effects and find the best treatment.
  • #2 Epilepsy with generalized tonic-clonic seizures alone | MedLink Neurology
    https://www.medlink.com/articles/epilepsy-with-generalized-tonic-clonic-seizures-alone
    Prophylactic drug treatment. This is entirely empirical for this syndrome though antiepileptic drugs effective in generalized onset tonic-clonic seizures should be used. Older retrospective open studies suggest that phenobarbital is more effective than phenytoin or carbamazepine. Even bromides have been found effective in pharmacoresistant cases. However, bromides or phenobarbital are unlikely to be prescribed today, and carbamazepine may be contraindicated in patients with absences and myoclonic jerks, which may be exaggerated by this drug. Therefore, based on its effectiveness in all types of generalized seizures, sodium valproate may be the drug of choice. A prophylactic high dose of sodium valproate in patients with GTCS alone may be effective if administered once at night when risk factors have been severely violated. However, sodium valproate should be firmly avoided in women of childbearing age because of high risk of teratogenicity and cognitive issues. Valproate should also be avoided in persons with weight issues. Lamotrigine and levetiracetam are probably viable options as a first choice. Add-on perampanel is effective in drug resistant cases. Lacosamide should also be considered. Carbamazepine add-on may be considered in cases refractory to valproate, levetiracetam, and lamotrigine. […] A review of an evidence-based guide for the selection of antiepileptic drugs for patients with generalized onset tonic clonic seizures found class 1 evidence of the efficacy of only four antiepileptic drugs (lamotrigine, levetiracetam, perampanel, and topiramate).
  • #2 Medications for Epilepsy and Seizures (Medication Search Tool) – CURE Epilepsy
    https://www.cureepilepsy.org/understanding-epilepsy/treatments-and-therapies/epilepsy-medications/
    Lamotrigine (la MOE tri jeen) has been approved by the FDA to treat focal onset seizures, primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures, or generalized seizures of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, used together with other anti-seizure medications (ASM) in patients 2 years and older. […] Levetiracetam (LEE ve tye RA se tam) has been approved by the FDA to treat focal-onset seizures in patients 1 month and older, myoclonic seizures in patients 12 years and older with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures in patients 6 years and older with idiopathic generalized epilepsy. […] Perampanel (per AM pa nel) has been approved by the FDA to treat focal-onset seizures (with or without secondarily generalized seizures) in patients 4 years and older and as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures in patients 12 years and older.
  • #2 Tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizure | UM Health-Sparrow
    https://www.uofmhealthsparrow.org/departments-conditions/conditions/tonic-clonic-grand-mal-seizure
    For the best seizure control possible, take medicines exactly as prescribed. […] When anti-seizure medicines aren’t effective, other treatments may be an option: […] The goal of surgery is to stop seizures from happening. It may be an option if you have tried two different medicines and they don’t prevent your seizures. […] A diet that’s high in fat and protein and low in carbohydrates, known as a ketogenic diet, can improve seizure control. Variations on a ketogenic diet are less effective but may provide benefit. They include the low glycemic index diet and modified Atkins Diet.
  • #2 Epilepsy and Seizures
    https://www.rwjbh.org/treatment-care/neuroscience/neurology/treatments/epilepsy-seizures/
    Nerve stimulation. Vagus nerve stimulation is a procedure in which the vagus nerves are stimulated with electrical impulses. In this treatment, an implant is placed into the patient and releases electrical impulses when abnormal brain behavior occurs, suppressing the activity and preventing seizures. […] Brain surgery. In situations where medication and less-invasive treatment proves ineffective, brain surgery may be recommended. In this procedure, the brain cells sending out abnormal signals are removed. Both open surgery and minimally invasive gamma knife surgery are capable of performing this procedure. Our skilled neurosurgeons, in collaboration with our neurologists, use the latest technology to ensure the greatest accuracy and least invasive methods that suit each individual patient’s situation. We offer access to intraoperative MRI tools such as ClearPoint Navigation to robotic surgery using the ROSA ONE Brain robotic system. […] Anyone who has had a seizure should wear a medical alert bracelet and inform friends and family of what to do in case of an emergency.
  • #2 Seizures // Middlesex Health
    https://middlesexhealth.org/learning-center/diseases-and-conditions/seizures
    People who have more than one seizure should stay away from things that can cause a seizure, such as: […] Not sleeping enough. […] Using alcohol or illicit drugs. […] Stress. […] Being around flashing lights.
  • #2 Tonic-Clonic (Grand Mal) Seizure: Symptoms & Treatment
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22788-tonic-clonic-grand-mal-seizure
    Don’t abuse alcohol, prescription or recreational drugs. Abusing and withdrawing from these can both lead to seizures. If you have a dependence on alcohol or any kind of drug, your primary care provider can help you find resources and specialized care to help you overcome alcohol or substance abuse. […] Manage your health conditions. Chronic health conditions can often cause seizures directly or contribute to other seizure-related conditions. An example of this is managing your blood sugar if you have Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes. […] Avoid possible seizure triggers. People with a history of seizures from flashing lights or other known sources should use caution and avoid similar triggers whenever possible.
  • #2 Tonic-Clonic Seizure: Symptoms, What to Do, and More
    https://www.healthline.com/health/generalized-tonic-clonic-seizure
    Seizures are not well understood. In some cases, it may not be possible for you to prevent a seizure if your seizures don’t appear to have a specific trigger. […] You can take steps in your daily life to help prevent some seizures: Avoid traumatic brain injury by using motorcycle helmets, safety belts, and cars with airbags. Maintain good hygiene and practice appropriate food handling to avoid infections, parasitic or otherwise, that can cause epilepsy. Reduce your risk factors for stroke, which include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and inactivity. […] People who are pregnant should have proper prenatal care. This helps to avoid complications that could contribute to the development of a seizure disorder in the fetus. […] After childbirth, it’s important to have your child immunized against diseases that can negatively affect their central nervous system and contribute to seizure disorders.
  • #2 Seizures: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
    https://www.webmd.com/epilepsy/understanding-seizures-basics
    To reduce the chance that you’ll have a seizure, you can: […] Talk to your doctor about following a ketogenic diet, which is high in fat and protein and very low in carbohydrates. It’s been shown to be helpful in reducing how often you have seizures. […] Get good sleep. Lack of rest can be a trigger for seizures. […] Take any medications as directed. […] Try rescue medications. These don’t take the place of daily medications and should only be used to help stop a seizure quickly in emergency situations. Depending on the circumstance, they can be taken several ways and include: […] Limit how much alcohol you drink. […] Pay attention to things that trigger your seizures and try to avoid them. […] Wear a seizure alert device that can alert others when you’re having a seizure. Although it can’t prevent seizures from happening, it can allow you to have more freedom and less worry.
  • #2 Epilepsy: Treatment Options | AAFP
    https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2017/0715/p87.html
    The occurrence of a single seizure does not always require initiation of antiepileptic drugs. […] In adults, key risk factors for recurrence are two unprovoked seizures occurring more than 24 hours apart, epileptiform abnormalities on electroencephalography, abnormal brain imaging, nocturnal seizures, or an epileptic syndrome associated with seizures. […] In children, key risk factors are abnormal electroencephalography results, an epileptic syndrome associated with seizures, severe head trauma, and cerebral palsy. […] In the absence of risk factors, and because many patients do not experience recurrence of a seizure, physicians should consider delaying use of antiepileptic drugs until a second seizure occurs. […] Delaying therapy until a second seizure does not affect one- to two-year remission rates.
  • #3 Generalized Tonic Clonic Seizure
    https://mobile.fpnotebook.com/Neuro/Seizure/GnrlzdTncClncSzr.htm
    Management […] Prophylaxis of Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizures in Children (age 16 years) […] Level C evidence […] Carbamazepine (Tegretol) […] Phenobarbital […] Phenytoin (Dilantin) […] Topiramate (Topamax) – also Level D evidence for use in Myoclonic Seizures […] Valproic Acid (Depakene) – also Level D evidence for use in Myoclonic Seizures […] Management […] Prophylaxis for both GTCS and Myoclonic Seizures in Younger Adults (age 16 years) […] Level C evidence […] Carbamazepine (Tegretol) […] Lamotrigine (Lamictal) […] Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal) […] Phenobarbital […] Phenytoin (Dilantin) […] Topiramate (Topamax) […] Valproic Acid (Depakene) […] Level D evidence […] Gabapentin (Neurontin) […] Levetiracetam (Keppra) […] Vigabatrin (Sabril)
  • #3 Medications for Epilepsy and Seizures (Medication Search Tool) – CURE Epilepsy
    https://www.cureepilepsy.org/understanding-epilepsy/treatments-and-therapies/epilepsy-medications/
    Topiramate (toe PYRE a mate) has been approved by the FDA as initial monotherapy for focal-onset or primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures in patients 2 years and older, and as adjunctive therapy for focal-onset seizures, primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures, or seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome in patients 2 years of age and older.
  • #3 Epilepsy: Treatment Options | AAFP
    https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2017/0715/p87.html
    For patients with seizures that are not controlled with these agents, alternative treatments include surgical resection of the seizure focus, ketogenic diets, vagus nerve stimulators, and implantable brain neurostimulators. […] Patients who have had a recent seizure within the past three months or whose seizures are poorly controlled should refrain from driving and certain high-risk physical activities. […] The use of AEDs should be considered only when the benefits of reducing the risk of a second seizure outweigh the risks of an adverse drug effect. […] In adults who have had a single seizure and who lack high-risk characteristics, delaying AED therapy until a second seizure does not affect one- to two-year seizure remission rates. […] In the absence of relevant risk factors, AED therapy is not indicated after a first unprovoked childhood seizure. […] Early initiation of AED therapy may reduce the risk of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), which is death in a person with epilepsy in whom no other cause of death is found. […] The risk of SUDEP can be decreased by optimizing seizure control.
  • #3 Generalized Tonic Clonic Seizures – What You Need to Know
    https://www.drugs.com/cg/generalized-tonic-clonic-seizures.html
    What can I do to prevent a tonic-clonic seizure? You may not be able to prevent every seizure. The following can help you manage triggers that may make a seizure start: […] Take antiseizure medicine exactly as prescribed. This will also help prevent medicine side effects. Set an alarm to help remind you to take your medicine so you do not miss a dose. If you are female, talk to your healthcare provider about family planning while you are taking this medicine. […] Manage stress. Stress can be a trigger for epilepsy. Exercise can help you reduce stress. Talk to your provider about exercise that is safe for you. Illness can be a form of stress. Eat a variety of healthy foods and drink plenty of liquids during an illness. Talk to your provider about other ways to manage stress. […] Set a regular sleep schedule. A lack of sleep can trigger a seizure. Try to go to sleep and wake up at the same times each day. Keep your bedroom quiet and dark. Talk to your provider if you are having trouble sleeping.
  • #3 Epilepsy and Seizures
    https://www.rwjbh.org/treatment-care/neuroscience/neurology/treatments/epilepsy-seizures/
    Nerve stimulation. Vagus nerve stimulation is a procedure in which the vagus nerves are stimulated with electrical impulses. In this treatment, an implant is placed into the patient and releases electrical impulses when abnormal brain behavior occurs, suppressing the activity and preventing seizures. […] Brain surgery. In situations where medication and less-invasive treatment proves ineffective, brain surgery may be recommended. In this procedure, the brain cells sending out abnormal signals are removed. Both open surgery and minimally invasive gamma knife surgery are capable of performing this procedure. Our skilled neurosurgeons, in collaboration with our neurologists, use the latest technology to ensure the greatest accuracy and least invasive methods that suit each individual patient’s situation. We offer access to intraoperative MRI tools such as ClearPoint Navigation to robotic surgery using the ROSA ONE Brain robotic system. […] Anyone who has had a seizure should wear a medical alert bracelet and inform friends and family of what to do in case of an emergency.
  • #4 Generalized Tonic Clonic Seizures – What You Need to Know
    https://www.drugs.com/cg/generalized-tonic-clonic-seizures.html
    Limit or do not drink alcohol as directed. Alcohol can trigger a seizure, especially if you drink a large amount at one time. A drink of alcohol is 12 ounces of beer, 1½ ounces of liquor, or 5 ounces of wine. Your provider can help you set limits for the number of drinks you have within 24 hours and within a week. Your provider may recommend that you do not drink any alcohol. Tell your provider if you need help to quit drinking.