An epileptic seizure is caused by a disruption in the normal activity of the brain. Epilepsy can affect people of all ages and is one of the most common neurological disorders. It temporarily interferes:
• muscle control
• movement
• speech
• vision
• awareness.
Therefore the person's body shakes violently for a few seconds to minutes and the person could lose consciousness.
Some people with epilepsy carry an identification card or wear a warning bracelet. Very little first aid treatment is required, the main aims being to keep the person safe during a seizure and to provide after-care.
Treatment
Minor Seizure
In a minor attack, the person may appear to be in a daydream, stare blankly or behave strangely.
1. Take care of him by protecting him from dangers such as busy roads.
2. Remain with him until you are certain he has recovered. Most people will feel sleepy and confused after a seizure.
3. Don't offer something to eat or drink before the person is completely conscious.
Major Seizure
In a major epilepsy seizure, the person usually falls to the ground, loses consciousness, followed by jerking. The seizure can last up to five minutes.
1. If the person is falling, try to support or ease the fall and lay down gently. Don't lift or move the person unless in danger.
2. Clear a space around him. If possible, loosen clothing around the neck and place something soft under the head. Protect the person from injuries that could be caused by sharp objects.
3. If you were not able to turn the person onto her side during the seizure, place him in the recovery position to maintain an open airway and prevent the person from inhaling any secretions when the convulsions leave.
4. DO NOT forcibly restrain or put too much pressure on the body.
5. Stay calm. Seizures normally don't last longer than 60 to 90 seconds, even though they feel a lot longer. To provide a valuable feedback to the docter remember, how long the seizure lasted and the persons body moved, how the person acted before and after the seizure and if the person has any injuries.
6. Do not put anything in the mouth or try to open it violently. If the person has problems breathing, gently clear the mouth of vomit or salvia but be careful because the person also can't control her mouth. If this does not work, call for emergency help.
7. DO NOT try to wake the victim.
8. Seek medical aid.
Even though calling the emergency as a precaution is always better, it is not always needed to call an emergency. But it is really important to call the emergency service immediately if...
• The victim stops breathing for longer than 30 seconds. After calling the emergency, start rescue breathing.
• The seizure lasts longer than 3 minutes.
• This is the person's first seizure or if you don't know if the person has epilepsy.
• The person seizing is pregnant (no matter how long the seizure lasts).
• A person with diabetes has a seizure.
People with epilepsy often have more than one type of seizure and may have other symptoms of neurological problems as well.