How to Treat Someone Having an Epileptic Seizure

If your family member or friend has epilepsy, you will need to know how to help treat this person in the event of a seizure to prevent any further risk. The following tips can make a difference between life and death.

Instructions

• 1

  Loosen any clothing, ties or scarves that are tight around the person's neck. Cushion his head and roll his body onto its side to prohibit choking. It may be necessary to position someone with his head pushed back so that the airway remains open for breathing.

• 2

  Allow the person's body to move and do not try to stop the epileptic seizure with restraints, as it will be impossible. Only move someone if there is some form of danger in the immediate vicinity, such as deep water or an open flame. Remove all sharp objects from the area to prevent the person having the seizure from hitting them.

• 3

  Do not touch the person's mouth or put anything in it, including water or medicine used to treat seizures, as it may cause the person to choke. People having seizures cannot swallow their tongues, despite popular belief.

• 4

  Put a soft object underneath the person's head, if possible. A pillow, coat or sweatshirt may be a good option to help prevent further trauma to the head.

• 5

  Keep track of the amount of time the seizure lasts and watch for any specific symptoms, such as breathing patterns. The person's doctor or ambulance staff is likely to want to know the details of the seizure to best treat her.

• 6

  Ask other people who are around to stay calm and give the person plenty of room. Explain that the person is having a seizure, which is out of his control.

• 7

  Be calm and stay by the person's side until the seizure is over and she has regained consciousness. The person may be confused and tired or may feel embarrassed. Reassure the person and be patient while she rests and regains strength.