A brain tumour or its treatment can sometimes cause seizures (fits or convulsions). A seizure is a disruption to the normal patterns of electrical impulses in the brain.
Learn more about:
- Generalised and focal seizures
- Ways to prevent seizures
- How to help someone having a seizure
- Anticonvulsant medicines
- Video: Anticonvulsant medicines for brain cancer
There are 2 main groups of seizures:
| Generalised seizures | These occur when all of the brain is affected, and typically involve the whole body. The most common type is called a tonic-clonic seizure (previously known as a grand mal seizure). A seizure often starts with a loss of consciousness. The person’s muscles may stiffen, their limbs may jerk rhythmically, and their breathing may be shallow for up to 2 minutes. They may bite their tongue, and lose bladder and bowel control. |
| Focal seizures | Also called partial seizures, these occur when only one area (lobe) of the brain is affected. Focal seizures affect one part of the body, such as an arm or leg. Symptoms of focal seizures depend on the area of the brain involved. They may include twitching; jerking; tingling or numbness; not being able to speak; and changes in vision or hearing, strange tastes or smells, or a feeling of deja vu. Focal seizures may also cause a brief loss of consciousness, changes in mood, and memory loss just before, during and after the seizure. |
Ways to prevent seizures
Seizures can often be prevented with anticonvulsant medicines (also called anti-epileptic or anti-seizure medicines) – see page 50. Feeling overstimulated or very tired can also increase your risk of having a seizure. Try to get 6–8 hours sleep each night. Drinking less alcohol may also help.
How to help someone having a seizure
- Remain calm and stay with the person while they are having a seizure. Refer to their Seizure Management Plan (see last tip in this list), if they have one.
- Do not hold them down or put anything in their mouth.
- Protect the person from injury (e.g. move hazards, lower them to the floor if possible, loosen their clothing, cushion their head and shoulders).
- Call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance if it is the first seizure the person has had; if the person is injured; if there was food or fluid in the person’s mouth; if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes; or if you are unsure of what to do.
- Time how long the seizure lasts so you can tell the paramedics.
- After the jerking stops, roll the person onto their side to keep their airway clear. This is particularly important if the person has vomited, is unconscious or has food or fluid in their mouth.
- Watch the person until they have recovered, or the ambulance arrives.
- If the seizure occurs while the person is in a wheelchair or car, support their head and leave them safely strapped in their seat until the seizure is over. Afterwards, remove the person from their seat, if possible. Roll them onto their side if there is food, fluid or vomit in their mouth.
- Explain to the person what has occurred. In many cases, people are confused after a seizure.
- Allow the person to rest afterwards as most seizures are exhausting.
- For detailed information and an online tool for creating a Seizure Management Plan, contact Epilepsy Action Australia on 1300 37 45 37.
Anticonvulsant medicines
Different types of anticonvulsant drugs are used to prevent seizures. You may need to have blood tests while you are taking anticonvulsants. This is to check whether the dose is working and how your liver is coping with the medicine.
Side effects of anticonvulsant drugs vary, but they may include tiredness, gum problems, shakes (tremors), nausea, vomiting, weight changes, depression, irritability and aggression.
If you are allergic to the medicine, you may get a rash. Tell your treatment team if you have any skin changes or other side effects. Your doctor can adjust the dose or try another anticonvulsant. Do not stop taking the medicine or change the dose without your doctor’s advice.
If you take anticonvulsants, you may need to avoid some foods. Check with your doctor before taking any herbal medicine, as it can change how some anticonvulsants work. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about potential interactions and foods to avoid.
→ READ MORE: Driving with a brain tumour
Video: Anticonvulsant medicines for brain cancer
More resources
Prof Lindy Jeffree, Director of Neurosurgery, Alfred Health, VIC; Caitriona Nienaber, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council WA; Prof Tamara Ownsworth, Clinical Neuropsychologist and Research Director, The Hopkins Centre, Griffith University, QLD; A/Prof Hao-Wen Sim, Medical Oncologist, The Kinghorn Cancer Centre and Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NSW; Megan Trevethan, Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapy – Cancer and Lymphoedema Services, Princess Alexandra Hospital, QLD; Chris Twyford, Cancer Specialist Nurse, Canberra Health Services, Cancer and Ambulatory Support, ACT; Dr Adam Wells, Clinical Academic Consultant Neurosurgeon, The University of Adelaide, Royal Adelaide Hospital, SA.
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