ARE ALL SEIZURES THE SAME?

The seizure type that immediately comes to most people’s mind is a full blown convulsive seizure, which is known as a generalized tonic clonic seizure (AKA “grand mal” seizure). However, there are many different types of seizures and they can take many forms. How a seizure looks to an observer or feels to a person experiencing them is determined by where in the brain the excessive electrical activity is taking place. The brain is the control panel for all of our behavior, movement, emotions, sensory experiences and bodily functions.  Different parts of the brain control different functions. For example, the left side of the brain controls the right side of the body. If abnormal activity happens on the left side of the brain in an area that controls the hand, the seizure may begin with twitching or jerking of the hand. If the “firework” starts in an area that controls emotions, the seizure may cause the person to feel sudden emotions of fear, anxiety, or have an emotional outburst for no apparent reason. Other seizure types may affect memory, comprehension or speech. Seizures are classified by whether they affect only one part of the brain (called partial or focal seizures) or cause widespread “electrical storms” on both sides of the brain (called generalized seizures). More on partial and generalized seizures to come!

And speaking of “partial”, I’m quite partial to indulging in a heaping plate of nachos and a margarita when I’ve had a long day at work. That was pretty corny, I know. But I hope you enjoy the purple nachos below!

Purple Monday Night Football Nachos

Serves 4 OR KELLY J

2 cups shredded chicken (either from prepared rotisserie chicken or 2 medium chicken breasts grilled in 2 Tb olive oil then chopped or shredded)

2 Tb olive oil

1 Tb chili powder

1 Tb cumin

1 cup plus 4 Tb favorite salsa (I like La Mexicana or Jack’s in the refrigerated produce section)

1 bag blue corn tortilla chips

2 cups (8 ounces) Mexican blend shredded cheese

1 can black beans

½ medium Vidalia onion, small dice

1 avocado, diced

¼ cup sliced pickled jalapenos

Optional* chopped cilantro, sour cream, black olives

Preheat oven to 400°. To prepare seasoned chicken: Heat 2 Tb olive oil in a medium skillet and add in shredded chicken plus cumin, chili powder, and 4 Tb salsa. Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes and add salt and pepper to taste. While chicken is cooking, layer corn chips on a large sheet pan and top with the shredded cheese. Place in over and cook for 5-10 minutes until cheese starts to bubble and chips begin to toast. Remove from oven and top with chicken, beans and all other toppings. You can serve it directly on sheet pan too-especially if parked in front of the TV watching the game J