Nearly three thousand years ago, a Babylonian tablet documented a mysterious illness known as miqtu, characterized by symptoms ranging from facial twitching to full-body convulsions. The Babylonians attributed these symptoms to possession by evil spirits, believing that divine intervention was the only remedy. Today, we recognize these symptoms as seizures, and modern medicine offers a variety of treatments. However, the ancient understanding of these afflictions still holds many secrets.
Doctors define a seizure as a set of symptoms resulting from excessive electrical activity in the brain. Despite this commonality, seizures can manifest in a wide array of symptoms, and researchers have identified numerous types. Regardless of the underlying conditions, every seizure originates in the brain.
Hippocrates identified the brain as the source of seizures around 400 BCE. However, this insight did not immediately lead to improved treatments. The ancient Greeks typically prescribed medicinal herbs and dietary changes. In cases where they suspected bleeding in the skull, they sometimes resorted to trepanation, a risky procedure involving drilling a hole in the skull to relieve pressure on the brain.
It wasn’t until the 19th century that significant progress was made in seizure treatment. In 1870, two German researchers discovered that stimulating specific areas of a dog’s brain with electricity could move parts of its body. Around the same time, scientists found that the brain and nervous system were connected through neurons, which transmitted electrical signals throughout the body. This established the brain as the control center for nerve impulses, clarifying that seizures were due to errors in this control center, such as misfiring neurons or excess electrical activity.
Early experiments suggested that different patterns of neuronal misfiring could account for various seizure types and symptoms. Physicians like Sir Charles Locock hypothesized that sedative drugs might calm overactive brain activity, a theory he confirmed by treating seizures with potassium bromide. Others, like Sir Victor Horsley, believed that removing damaged brain tissue might stop seizures. In 1886, Horsley performed a craniotomy, removing part of a patient’s skull to extract scarred brain tissue. The patient’s improved condition spurred further research into surgical treatments.
Over the next two centuries, seizure treatments advanced rapidly. Today, there are numerous medications available that work with unprecedented specificity. Some newer drugs target specific proteins in neurons to help manage electrical activity. Advanced brain imaging techniques can sometimes pinpoint the exact brain regions causing an individual’s seizures, allowing for targeted surgeries.
These treatments enable doctors to manage most seizure cases, allowing many individuals to lead healthy and comfortable lives. However, the underlying pathology of many seizures remains elusive. In cases without clear brain damage or certain pre-existing conditions, determining the cause of neuronal misfiring is challenging. It’s also unclear why some treatments are effective and why some seizures resist existing treatments.
While scientists continue to explore these questions, there are clear guidelines for assisting someone experiencing a seizure. Never hold a seizing person down, place objects in their mouth, or perform CPR. Instead, focus on keeping them safe from falls or head injuries, gently turning them onto their side to maintain open airways, and staying with them until medical help arrives.
Create an interactive timeline that traces the history of seizure understanding and treatment from ancient Babylon to modern times. Use online tools like Tiki-Toki or TimelineJS to add key events, figures, and breakthroughs. Include images, videos, and brief descriptions to make the timeline engaging.
Participate in a role-playing debate where you assume the roles of historical figures such as Hippocrates, Sir Charles Locock, and Sir Victor Horsley. Prepare arguments based on their contributions to seizure understanding and treatment. Debate the merits and drawbacks of their methods in a classroom setting.
Analyze a series of case studies that describe different types of seizures and their treatments. Work in groups to diagnose the type of seizure, suggest possible treatments based on historical and modern methods, and present your findings to the class. Discuss the challenges and successes of each treatment approach.
Participate in a workshop where you explore the anatomy and function of the brain, focusing on areas related to seizures. Use 3D models, diagrams, and interactive software to understand how electrical activity in the brain can lead to seizures. Create a presentation or poster to share your insights with the class.
Engage in a first aid simulation where you learn and practice the correct steps to take when someone is experiencing a seizure. Use mannequins or role-play scenarios to practice turning a person onto their side, ensuring their safety, and calling for medical help. Reflect on the importance of these actions and how they can make a difference in real-life situations.
Seizure – A sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain that can cause changes in behavior, movements, or feelings. – A seizure can occur unexpectedly and may require immediate medical attention to ensure the safety of the individual.
Brain – The organ in the body that serves as the control center for the nervous system, responsible for processing sensory information and coordinating actions. – The brain is essential for all bodily functions, including thinking, memory, and movement.
Neurons – Specialized cells in the nervous system that transmit information through electrical and chemical signals. – Neurons communicate with each other to relay messages throughout the body, playing a crucial role in reflexes and reactions.
Treatment – The management and care of a patient for the purpose of combating a disease or condition. – Effective treatment for epilepsy often involves a combination of medication and lifestyle changes to reduce the frequency of seizures.
Symptoms – Physical or mental features that indicate a condition or disease. – Common symptoms of a migraine may include severe headaches, nausea, and sensitivity to light.
Electrical – Relating to electricity or the flow of electric charge. – The electrical activity in the brain can be measured using an electroencephalogram (EEG) to diagnose various neurological conditions.
Activity – The state of being active or engaging in a specific task or function. – Regular physical activity is important for maintaining overall health and can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Research – The systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources to establish facts and reach new conclusions. – Ongoing research in neuroscience aims to better understand how the brain functions and how to treat neurological disorders.
Medication – Substances used to treat or prevent disease or alleviate symptoms. – Many patients with chronic conditions rely on medication to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
History – The study of past events, particularly in human affairs, which can provide context for current medical practices. – Understanding the history of medicine helps us appreciate the advancements that have been made in treating diseases over the centuries.
