How to Control Temporal Lobe Seizures

Temporal lobe seizures may be one-time or chronic seizures that result in loss of consciousness, involuntary movements and strange sensations. The seizures occur because one or both of the brain's temporal lobes experience abnormal electrical activity. High fever, certain drugs and some electrical stimulation of the brain can cause a one-time seizure, but those with temporal lobe damage, resulting from head injury, infection, genetic syndromes, tumors, or lesions, are more susceptible to episodes. If episodes are chronic, knowing how to control temporal lobe seizures is a must.

Things You'll Need

• medical alert identification

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Instructions

Preventive Measures

• 1

  Pay attention to the onset of a seizure. An aura occurs when a jagged edged rainbow of color intrudes on the visual plane. This early symptom may disappear without a full-blown seizure, or it may precede it. Another early sign may be an unwarranted emotion or vivid recall of a smell or music. The temporal lobe is integral in processing emotions and consolidating memories. Those who have had a temporal lobe seizure have recounted experiencing feelings of fear or joy, or a "religious" experience, according to Medline Plus. This may be the signal to go to a safe place with other people who know how to react to your condition.

• 2

  Keep safe during a seizure. If a seizure puts a person in danger, first aid should be performed. If you have a chronic condition, tell associates how to respond. Epilepsy.com lists several first aid measures: remain calm. Do not restrain the person; instead remove any furniture or dangerous items from the area, and make the person comfortable as possible. Record the length of the seizure and affected body parts. If the seizure lasts beyond five minutes, call 9-1-1. In addition, the New York Times online health magazine advises monitoring breathing, assisting with breathing if necessary and making sure vomit or mucus is cleared from the airways.

• 3

  Follow your doctor's treatment plan. Your physician can treat temporal lobe seizures in more than one way. First, a doctor may prescribe anti-seizure medication to reduce the frequency of, or eliminate, seizures. Anticonvulsants are oral and work to a varying degree with each individual. Dosages are monitored and regulated for effectiveness. An anti-epileptic drug is the usual treatment long-term for chronic seizures. Expect at least an annual review of the need for such drugs and the body's tolerance. A more radical option may be surgical removal of tumors or brain lesions affecting the temporal lobes.

• 4

  Avoid triggers. For those who have had a seizure, several known triggers exist. Lack of sleep, forgetting to take medicine, recreational drug use, alcohol, and illness can launch a seizure in someone whose seizures have been under control. Pregancy, too, is a known trigger.

• 5

  Wear identification and avoid dangerous situations. Even if the condition is controlled, a person with temporal lobe seizures should carry an informational card or wear informational jewelry indicating a seizure condition is present. If the condition is not well-controlled, driving, swimming, operating dangerous machinery, climbing ladders, and contact sports may be avoided. Having someone nearby during bathing is also a necessary precaution.