What to know about epilepsy and providing first aid during a seizure

Epilepsy is a typical neurological situation which ends up in seizures. It impacts hundreds of thousands of individuals in america and tens of hundreds of thousands worldwide.

It is essential to know what epilepsy is, methods to acknowledge what occurs throughout a seizure, and methods to present first support when somebody is having a seizure.

What are epilepsy and seizures?

Epilepsy is a chronic brain disorder characterised by recurring seizures. Seizures are sudden, uncontrolled surges {of electrical} exercise within the brain, which might trigger varied signs. The precise reason behind epilepsy can fluctuate, but it surely usually outcomes from mind accidents or genetics.

Usually, individuals with epilepsy lead energetic lives, so you could not acknowledge that they’ve epilepsy except they let you know otherwise you really witness them having a seizure.

What occurs within the mind throughout a seizure?

Throughout a seizure, the mind’s regular electrical exercise goes haywire. Neurons (brain cells) talk with electrical impulses, however throughout a seizure, these impulses grow to be chaotic.

Some describe a seizure as an “electrical storm of the mind.” This could result in a variety of signs—from clean stares to convulsions—relying on the affected mind areas. These signs can put an individual in danger for harm.

Widespread seizure signs and warning indicators

Epileptic seizures can manifest in varied methods, however some frequent signs might embrace the next:

• Jerking actions: Involuntary muscle contractions resulting in jerking or convulsions. This can be of only one aspect of the physique, however will also be on either side.
• Lack of consciousness: Some people might lose consciousness and fall throughout a seizure.
• Staring spells: An individual might seem unresponsive and stare into house.
• Unusual sensations or auras: Some individuals expertise odd smells, tastes or emotions earlier than a seizure.

First support

Recognition and speedy first support throughout a seizure is essential. Whereas most seizures finish on their very own after 1-2 minutes, sure varieties might be life-threatening. This is what you need to know—and what you are able to do:

• Keep calm and reassure these round you. At all times stick with the particular person by way of the top of the seizure.
• Shield their head. Gently information the particular person to the bottom if they are not already there. Put one thing smooth beneath their head to forestall head harm.
• Clear the realm. Make certain there are not any hazards round, like sharp objects, that would hurt the particular person throughout the seizure. Take away glasses or objects on or across the face.
• Maintain observe of time. If the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, or if one other seizure begins shortly after with out the particular person “coming to,” name for medical assist.
• Don’t restrain the particular person or put something of their mouth. Opposite to frequent perception, it is important to let the seizure run its course.
• Flip them on their aspect if they’re on the bottom. This helps decrease the danger that an individual may choke on any extra saliva or vomiting that will happen throughout the seizure.
• Some individuals have a “rescue treatment,” generally a nasal spray, that can be utilized to cease a seizure. If that is out there, learn the directions and provides the treatment if the seizure goes on longer than anticipated.
• Most frequently, individuals return to regular after a seizure ends by itself. Nonetheless, name for medical help if there may be any concern for harm, issue respiratory, choking or if the seizure occurred in water.

Seizure misconceptions

It is a frequent fantasy that somebody would possibly swallow their tongue throughout a seizure. This won’t occur. By no means put something of their mouth, as it may result in chew harm or choking.

Making an attempt to restrain an individual throughout a seizure or instantly after a seizure can lead to injury to you or the particular person. As a substitute, give attention to their security by defending their head and clearing the realm.

Water will not cease a seizure. Don’t pour water of their face. Stick with the particular person and supply assist throughout the episode.