UPMC unlocks mystery of epilepsy during Alive and Well series

UPMC hosted a virtual event, “Unlocking the Mystery of Epilepsy,” on Aug. 23 as a part of its Alive and Well series.

The series by the Pittsburgh-based health care company — which has more than 35 hospitals, including UPMC East in Monroeville — consists of 25 virtual seminars per year, free to the public. Each covers a topic of health and is presented by a doctor who specializes in the topic.

Dr. Joanna Fong-Isariyawongse, a neurologist, presented the latest seminar. Throughout her slideshow, she spoke about the different aspects of living with and treatment of epilepsy.

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder in which a person experiences recurrent seizures. The condition can be caused by multiple sources including genetics, trauma and congenital lesions to the brain.

Fong-Isariyawongse began the presentation by explaining the three types of seizures that people experience and how others can spot non-motor symptoms, those not related to movement.

The most common type experienced by those with epilepsy is focal onset, which affects just one part of the brain, sometimes called the “focus” of the seizures. It might affect a large part of one hemisphere or just a small area in one of the lobes.

A person experiencing this is able to be fully aware of the seizure while it is happening. If the focal seizure spreads to both sides of the brain, the person may begin convulsing and no longer be aware.

Another type is generalized onset, where the seizure affects both parts of the brain and occurs without warning. The person almost always is unconscious and unaware of the seizure taking place.

The third type of seizure is unknown onset, which usually is diagnosed when doctors are unable to tell where in the brain the seizure began, took place when the person was sleeping or if it was not witnessed by anyone else.

Fong-Isariyawongse highlighted general first aid that can be done in order to assist someone suffering from a seizure. She recommended finding something soft to place under the person’s head, loosening any tight clothing and turning the person onto a side until the episode has passed.

She also warned not to try to restrain a person who is having convulsions because it may cause further injury. When a person has a seizure with motor symptoms, muscles begin to stiffen and then jerk uncontrollably. Restraining that movement could increase the chance of suffering an injury such as a broken bone or dislocated shoulder.

Fong-Isariyawongse went on to explain when it is necessary to contact emergency services. If a person is having a seizure and has no known medical condition or identification, she recommends calling an ambulance. Another situation warranting a 911 call is when a person has a hard time coming out of an episode or has multiple seizures in a row at a rapid rate. Emergency services also are justified if the seizure lasts longer than five minutes, the person is pregnant or has a visible injury that could have led to the seizure occurring.

Viewers were able to submit questions that Fong-Isariyawongse addressed after the presentation. The information was accessible and gave advice to people diagnosed with epilepsy and those ones who assist them.

Past virtual events can be accessed online at www.upmc.com. They address topics including memory loss, sports injuries and weight loss.