First aid at epilepsy

First aid at epilepsy

Not all types of seizures require first aid. In many cases all the person needs is emotional support and reassurance. This guide is designed to assist you with generalized tonic-clonic seizures (grand mal/convulsive). We urge you to visit more detailed web sites or contact us for complete information regarding first aid for all types of seizures.

Although most seizures end naturally and without the need for emergency treatment, a seizure in someone that has not been diagnosed with epilepsy/seizure disorder could be a sign of serious illness. Call medical assistance if:

- the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes
- no epilepsy/seizure disorder I.D. visible
- slow recovery, a second seizure, or difficulty breathing afterwards
- pregnancy or other medical I.D.
- any signs of injury or sickness.

Some things to avoid

DO NOT restrain a person's movement in any way, except to prevent injury from a possible accident.
DO NOT put any hard object between the teeth or in the mouth (the tongue cannot be swallowed).
DO NOT attempt to give the person liquids during or at the immediate conclusion of a seizure.
DO NOT give artificial respiration or oxygen during a seizure. However, if normal breathing does not resume at the end of the seizure artificial respiration should be started.
DO NOT shout at the person or expect response to a verbal command.
DO be helpful and reassuring.

A special note to parents and teachers!

Non-convulsive seizures, such as staring spells, day dreaming or lack of attentiveness can easily be overlooked in children. Symptoms of non-convulsive seizures include loss of awareness for a few seconds, staring and blinking or twitching of the eyelids. Many children diagnosed with ADD/ADHD are misdiagnosed and may have partial seizures.

Again, we encourage you to visit our linked sites, or contact us to gain assistance with further and complete information.

http://www.epilepsyassociation.org/firstaid.htm