What is Fits Disease?

What is Fits? Fits are sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain, leading to various changes in behavior, movements, emotions, and levels of consciousness. If someone experiences two or more fits, or has a tendency for recurrent fits, they may be diagnosed with epilepsy.

The severity and type of fits can vary significantly. They can originate from different areas of the brain, with most fits lasting between 30 seconds to two minutes. Any fit lasting longer than five minutes is considered a medical emergency.

Fits are more prevalent than many realize. They can occur due to various reasons, including a stroke, head injury, infections like meningitis, or other illnesses. However, in many cases, the underlying cause of fits remains unknown.

While most fit disorders can be managed with medication, they can significantly impact daily life. It’s important for individuals to collaborate with healthcare professionals to effectively balance fit control and manage any potential side effects of medications.

Types of Fits

In 2017, the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) updated the classification of fits to better capture the diversity of seizure types. The two primary categories are focal onset fits and generalized onset fits.

Focal Onset Fits:

• With Impaired Awareness: These fits involve altered consciousness, such as staring blankly or performing repetitive movements.
• Without Loss of Consciousness: These fits alter emotions or sensory perceptions without affecting consciousness and may include involuntary jerking.

Generalized Onset Fits:

• Tonic-Clonic (Grand Mal): These involve muscle stiffening followed by rhythmic jerking and often lead to a loss of consciousness.
• Absence (Petit Mal): These consist of brief episodes of staring or blinking.
• Atonic (Drop Attacks): Sudden loss of muscle tone causes the individual to fall or nod.
• Clonic: Characterized by rhythmic muscle jerks, mainly affecting the neck, face, and arms.
• Myoclonic: Involves sudden, brief jerks of the arms and legs.

Unknown Onset Fits: These occur when the start of the fit isn’t witnessed, often leading to the person waking up to find they've had a fit. They are classified as such due to a lack of information about their onset.

What Are the Main Causes of Fits?

Fits occur when neurons in the brain experience disturbances in their electrical activity, disrupting the communication pathways between nerve cells. While epilepsy is the most common cause of fits, not every individual who experiences fits has epilepsy. Other potential causes include:

• High fever associated with infections like meningitis
• Sleep deprivation
• Hyponatremia (low sodium levels), often linked to diuretic use
• Certain medications that lower the seizure threshold, such as some pain relievers and antidepressants
• Head trauma that results in bleeding in the brain
• Stroke or brain tumors
• Substance abuse, including recreational drugs and alcohol
• Infections such as COVID-19

Diagnosis of Fits

Diagnosis involves a comprehensive examination by a healthcare provider. This includes inquiries about medical history and symptoms. Identifying the specific type of seizure can be challenging; hence, additional tests may be recommended to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. These tests may include:

• Blood tests: To check for electrolyte imbalances.
• Spinal tap: To rule out infections.
• Toxicology screening: To detect drugs or toxins.
• Electroencephalogram (EEG): Measures brain wave patterns to diagnose seizures.
• Imaging scans (CT or MRI): To identify abnormalities such as blocked blood flow or tumors.

Treatment of Fits

Not everyone who experiences a single fit will have another, so treatment may not be initiated immediately. The primary goal in treating fits is to identify the most effective therapy while minimizing side effects.

Medication for Fits

Treatment often includes anti-fit medications. Numerous options are available, and finding the right medication with minimal side effects can be complex. Doctors will consider several factors, including the patient’s condition, frequency of fits, and any other medications being taken to avoid interactions.

Alternative Treatments

If medication is ineffective, other treatment options may be available:

• Surgery: Aimed at removing the area of the brain responsible for fits, best suited for those with fits originating from a specific region.
• Vagus nerve stimulation: An implanted device stimulates the vagus nerve to inhibit fits, potentially allowing for lower medication dosages.
• Responsive neurostimulation: A device detects fit activity and delivers electrical stimulation to stop fits.
• Deep brain stimulation: Electrodes are implanted in the brain to regulate abnormal activity.
• Dietary therapy: A ketogenic diet, high in fat and low in carbohydrates, may improve fit control.

Pregnancy and Fits

Women with a history of fits can generally have healthy pregnancies, although certain anti-seizure medications can pose risks, such as cognitive deficits and neural tube defects in babies. The American Academy of Neurology recommends against the use of valproic acid during pregnancy. Discussing these risks and considering changes in medication with a healthcare provider is crucial for women planning to conceive.

When to See a Doctor

Seek immediate medical assistance if:

• A fit lasts longer than five minutes.
• Breathing or consciousness doesn’t return after the fit stops.
• A second fit follows immediately.
• You have a high fever or are experiencing heat exhaustion.
• You’re pregnant or have diabetes.
• You’ve sustained an injury during a fit.

If you experience fits for the first time, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional.

Home Remedies and Lifestyle Tips

To help manage fits, consider the following:

• Take medication as prescribed: Always consult your doctor before adjusting doses.
• Prioritize sleep: Aim for adequate rest to reduce triggers.
• Wear a medical alert bracelet: This can inform emergency personnel of your condition.
• Stay active: Regular exercise promotes overall health and can help reduce stress.
• Make healthy choices: Manage stress, limit alcohol, and avoid smoking.

Understanding What is Fits Disease is essential for effective management and treatment. Collaborating with healthcare providers and making informed lifestyle choices can significantly improve quality of life for those affected by fits.