What is Fits Disease

Fits, also known as seizures, are sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain that can cause various changes in behavior, movements, feelings, and consciousness levels. When a person experiences two or more fits, or has a tendency toward recurrent fits, they are often diagnosed with epilepsy.

Understanding Fits

Fits can vary significantly in type and severity, depending on where and how they originate in the brain. Most fits last between 30 seconds and two minutes; however, a fit lasting longer than five minutes is considered a medical emergency and requires immediate attention.

Surprisingly, fits are more common than many people realize. They can occur due to various factors, including strokes, closed head injuries, infections like meningitis, or other medical conditions. In many instances, the exact cause of fits remains unknown.

While many types of fits can be managed with medication, their presence can profoundly affect daily life. It’s crucial to work closely with a healthcare professional to strike a balance between effective fit management and minimizing medication side effects.

Types of Fits

The International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) updated the classification of fits in 2017, providing a clearer understanding of their various forms. Fits are primarily divided into two categories: focal onset fits and generalized onset fits.

• Focal Onset Fits:

  • With Impaired Awareness: These involve changes in consciousness, such as blank stares or repetitive movements.
  • Without Loss of Consciousness: These alter emotional or sensory perceptions without impairing awareness and may involve jerking movements or sensory symptoms.

• Generalized Onset Fits:

  • Tonic-Clonic (Grand Mal): Characterized by muscle stiffening followed by jerking movements, often accompanied by loss of consciousness.
  • Absence (Petit Mal): Brief episodes of staring or blinking.
  • Atonic (Drop Attacks): Sudden loss of muscle tone, leading to falls or head nodding.
  • Clonic: Involves rhythmic muscle jerks, typically in the neck, face, and arms.
  • Myoclonic: Sudden, brief jerks or twitches of the arms and legs.

• Unknown Onset Fits: These occur when the beginning of the fit is not observed, often resulting in waking up to find that a fit has occurred.

Main Causes of Fits

Fits occur due to disruptions in the brain's neurons, which create, send, and receive electrical impulses. While epilepsy is the most common cause of fits, it is important to note that not everyone who experiences fits has this condition. Other causes can include:

• High fever, often linked to infections like meningitis
• Sleep deprivation
• Hyponatremia (low sodium levels) often associated with diuretic use
• Certain medications that lower the seizure threshold, such as pain relievers or antidepressants
• Head trauma causing bleeding in the brain
• Stroke or brain tumors
• Use of illegal drugs, including cocaine and amphetamines
• Alcohol abuse, particularly during withdrawal or severe intoxication
• In some cases, infections such as COVID-19 can also lead to fits.

Diagnosis of Fits

When diagnosing fits, healthcare providers will conduct a thorough examination, reviewing medical history and symptoms. Diagnosing the specific type of seizure can be challenging, often necessitating additional tests, including:

• Blood Tests: To check for electrolyte imbalances.
• Spinal Tap: To rule out infections.
• Toxicology Screening: To detect drugs, poisons, or toxins.
• Electroencephalogram (EEG): Measures brain waves to identify seizure activity.
• Imaging Scans (CT or MRI): These scans provide detailed images of the brain to detect abnormalities like tumors or blocked blood flow.

Treatment of Fits

Not everyone who experiences a fit will have recurrent episodes. Treatment typically begins after a second fit occurs. The primary goal is to effectively control fits while minimizing side effects.

• Medication: Treatment often involves anti-fit medications tailored to the individual's specific needs. Finding the right medication and dosage may require some trial and error.
• Surgery: In cases where medication is ineffective, surgery may be considered to remove the area of the brain responsible for fits.
• Vagus Nerve Stimulation: A device implanted under the skin stimulates the vagus nerve to help control fits.
• Responsive Neurostimulation: A device detects fits and delivers electrical stimulation to interrupt seizure activity.
• Deep Brain Stimulation: Electrodes implanted in the brain regulate abnormal electrical activity.
• Dietary Therapy: High-fat, low-carbohydrate diets like the ketogenic diet can improve fit control.

Pregnancy and Fits

Women with a history of fits can generally have healthy pregnancies. However, some anti-epileptic medications, like valproic acid, have been linked to birth defects. It is crucial to discuss potential risks and consider medication adjustments with a healthcare provider before conception.

When to See a Doctor

Immediate medical assistance is necessary if:

• A fit lasts longer than five minutes.
• Breathing or consciousness does not return after a fit stops.
• Another fit occurs immediately after the first.
• The individual has a high fever, is pregnant, or has diabetes.
• They have sustained injuries during a fit.

Home Remedies for Fits Management

To help manage fits, consider these strategies:

• Adhere to Medication: Never adjust dosages without consulting a doctor.
• Prioritize Sleep: Ensure sufficient rest, as sleep deprivation can trigger fits.
• Wear a Medical Alert Bracelet: This alerts emergency personnel about your condition.
• Stay Active: Regular physical activity can improve overall health and help alleviate stress.
• Make Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Limit alcohol consumption, manage stress, and avoid smoking.

Understanding what fits disease is and how it manifests can empower individuals to seek appropriate treatment and support, improving their quality of life and managing this challenging condition effectively.