Seizures are a phenomenon that affects both children and adults alike, resulting in loss of control over body movements, involuntary changes to body temperature and respiration rates, as well as other signs and symptoms.
Nurses are essential in preventing and managing seizures, so they must know the various causes behind episodes. Fortunately, there is a helpful [Vitamin Mnemonic] for seizures nurses can remember when looking at possible seizure-causing triggers.
Table of Contents
Seizure Vitamins Mnemonic:
A seizure vitamins mnemonic to remember the most typical causes of seizures is:
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- V: vascular
- I: infection
- T: trauma
- A: AV malformation
- M: metabolic
- I: idiopathic
- N: neoplasm
V: vascular
Causes of seizures include strokes, subarachnoid and intracerebral hemorrhage, cerebrovascular accidents (CVA), and vasculopathies.
I: infection-related causes of seizures may be meningitis, encephalitis, abscesses, or other systemic infections like HIV/AIDS.
T: Trauma
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can cause seizures and head trauma due to falls or motor vehicle accidents.
A: AV malformation
Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs) are abnormal connections between arteries and veins in the brain that can lead to seizures.
M: metabolic
Metabolic disorders such as electrolyte imbalances, hypoglycemia, and hyperglycemia can cause seizures.
I: idiopathic
Idiopathic seizures are those with no known cause or underlying condition.
N: neoplasm
Brain tumors can also be a potential trigger for seizures.
FAQs
Can changing what I consume improve control of seizures?
While it’s true that certain foods can impact brain function, there is only a little dependable information available on specific dietary recommendations for this purpose.
Aiming for regular meals and a balanced diet is sensible if you have epilepsy. However, mild decreases in blood sugar, known as “hypoglycemia,” may not necessarily be linked with seizures or the condition itself.
Can vitamins, herbs, or amino acids benefit from treating seizures?
Regarding vitamins, herbs, and amino acids used to treat seizures, research has not been able to prove any real benefits from them. While it is important not to ignore potentially successful therapies, those with epilepsy should exercise caution and wait for solid evidence of efficacy before trying such action.
In most cases, these nutritional supplements are essential medications that may have side effects or even dangerous outcomes.
Do vitamin deficiencies lead to or worsen seizures?
The only vitamin lack known to cause or exacerbate seizures is a deficiency of vitamin B6 (pyridoxine). This usually occurs in newborns and infants and can be challenging to control. Sometimes, the baby can be given vitamin B6 through an IV while their EEG is monitored.
If there is a marked improvement in the EEG readings, this indicates that the cause was probably due to a B6 deficiency. Some physicians may also test vitamin B6 in older children with hard-to-manage seizures, although there is no reliable evidence that it will work.
Can low levels of minerals in the body impact seizure activity?
Low sodium, calcium, and magnesium levels can interfere with brain cell electrical activity and lead to seizures.
What factors drive low levels of minerals in the body?
Mineral deficiencies are not common except in cases of extreme malnutrition. However, other factors that can affect mineral levels in the body include inadequate intake, poor absorption, and excessive loss through kidney excretion or sweating.
Final Words
Vitamin mnemonic seizures can be a valuable tool to recall the common causes of seizures. Nurses should remember that any disruption in neurological activity can lead to or exacerbate seizures, and they must take appropriate measures during care to ensure proper management. With knowledge and practice, nurses can help prevent and manage seizure episodes in their patients.
The above vitamins seizures Mnemonics an easy way for nurses to remember the most common causes of seizures and be better prepared to provide optimal care. By utilizing this mnemonic, nurses can better understand the underlying risk factors associated with seizure episodes, allowing them to take proactive measures to prevent and manage seizures.
Mrs. Marie Brown has been a registered nurse for over 25 years. She began her nursing career at a Level I Trauma Center in downtown Chicago, Illinois. There she worked in the Emergency Department and on the Surgical Intensive Care Unit. After several years, she moved to the Midwest and continued her nursing career in a critical care setting. For the last 10 years of her nursing career, Mrs. Brown worked as a flight nurse with an air ambulance service. During this time, she cared for patients throughout the United States.