Things to Do for a Seizure

Whether you are present when someone you know and love is having a seizure, or if you happen to be in a public area witnessing a complete stranger experiencing an epileptic episode, knowing what to do is imperative. Many myths are still widely believed---myths that can be detrimental to an epileptic during a seizure. For this reason you must know the truth and be prepared to help anyone when these neurological disturbances strike.

The Most Detrimental Myth

• Sometimes it's just as important to know what not to do for someone who is having a seizure as it is to know what to do for that person. There is one myth that many still swear by and implement when assisting someone who is having a seizure---a myth which can be detrimental to all involved.

  This great myth is the belief that a seizure causes the epileptic to swallow his tongue, and that you must place an item in his mouth to depress it. Doing this, however, can cause damage to his mouth and may be dangerous for you as well. Placing your hands or fingers near his mouth while he is convulsing may result in his unknowingly biting you: if this occurs, he will be unable to release your fingers until his seizure has ended.

Watch For Signs

• There are a plethora of symptoms which may indicate the beginning of a seizure. The symptoms will vary according to the type of seizure disorder. Some of the most common symptoms include twitching, brief jerking motions involving part or all of the body, loss of consciousness that is either short or long term and complete loss of muscle control causing the epileptic to fall to the ground. She may also appear to be staring at a particular object, yet be unresponsive when spoken to: this particular type of seizure is known as a trance.

Ensure His Safety

• Once you are aware of the warning signs, your next priority is to ensure his safety. If he is in a sitting position when the seizure begins, slowly lower him to the floor so he does not fall, injuring himself along the way.

  If he has already fallen, roll him on his side. This serves two purposes: first, during the seizure his tongue may relax and block his airway. Rolling him on his side helps prevent this blockage from taking place. Next, vomiting can occur during an epileptic convulsion. Rolling him on his side helps prevent him from choking on his vomit should this happen.

Time the Seizure

• Now that she is safe, remain next to her until her seizure has ended. Time the length of her seizure, which is important information for her doctor to have. If her seizures get progressively longer she may require an adjustment in her medication.

  The length of her seizure will also determine whether or not you need to call an ambulance. Any seizure lasting longer than five minutes warrants medical attention. Consecutive seizures also require an emergency medical team: multiple episodes with no rest in between may require medication to stop the episodes before serious health repercussions result.

Be Patient

• Once his seizure has ended, it is common for an epileptic to be disoriented and confused. It is not unusual for him to be be unaware of the fact that he has had a seizure. As he opens his eyes, tell him what happened and begin asking him simple questions such as where he is, what year it is and who the current president is. He may not know the answers to these questions immediately; however, within five to 10 minutes he should be coherent enough to answer most correctly. If he cannot, take him to the emergency room to be examined.