Overview

Seizure is an uncontrolled movement of the muscles caused due to overactivity of electrical impulses in the brain. When there are too many impulses, muscles undergo twitching, jerking, contraction, and convulsions.

Chemotherapy itself does not usually cause a seizure. Some people may react differently to the drugs and cause seizures as side effects.

Cancer-related seizures are common when chemotherapy is focused on the spinal cord. Seizures are observed as initial symptoms of brain tumors in adult patients. The risk of the seizure depends on the location of the tumor in the brain.

Cause of seizure in cancer patients

• Certain chemotherapy is given through the spine or in the scalp
• The presence of tumor in the spine or brain affects the central nervous system
• Fever
• Head surgery
• Trauma or injury to the head
• Imbalance of electrolytes in the body
• Infection of fluid around the brain and spine
• Blood clots
• Radiation therapy on the brain and spine causes a problem in the central nervous system

Symptoms of seizures in cancer patients

Seizure in cancer patients has high adverse symptoms when compared to non-cancer seizures.

The sign and symptoms of the patient with seizure are –

• Eyes rollback
• The patient may blindly stare
• Urine incontinence or bowel incontinence
• Jerking and twitching of hands and legs

Ways to manage seizures in cancer patients

• Report any history of seizure to your doctor
• Take anti-seizure medicines prescribes by your health care provider
• Combination of anticonvulsants and chemotherapeutic drugs
• Avoid extreme temperature
• Avoid getting dehydrated or skipping meals
• Take rest and get enough sleep
• Let your family members and colleagues know the methods to handle a seizure
• Avoid injuries
• Avoid working in roaster shifts
• Identify the trigger

Managing seizure is a complex process. However, seizures must be managed and must be prevented so that the quality of life is not affected.

Keep a record of the seizures and talk to your healthcare provider. There are various ways through which a doctor address the seizure in cancer patients.

About Mozocare

Mozocare is a medical access platform for hospitals and clinics to assist patients to access the best medical care at affordable prices. It offers medical information, medical treatment, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, laboratory consumables, and other allied services.

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