WHAT TO DO WHEN SOMEONE HAS AN EPILEPTIC SEIZURE?

An epileptic seizure, also known as an epilepsy attack or convulsion, is a sudden and temporary episode of abnormal brain activity. During an epileptic seizure, neurons in the brain experience an uncontrolled electrical discharge, which can cause different symptoms and affect the normal functioning of the body.

Epileptic seizures can manifest in different ways, depending on the type of epilepsy and the area of the brain affected. Some common types of epileptic seizures include:

Tonic-clonic seizures: These generalised seizures, also known as “grand mal”, are the most recognisable. They are characterised by loss of consciousness, sudden muscle stiffness (tonic seizure) and rhythmic, involuntary movements of the arms and legs (clonic seizure). There may be tongue biting, loss of bladder or bowel control, and difficulty breathing.

Partial seizures: These seizures affect only one part of the brain. They may appear as uncontrolled movements in a specific area of the body, abnormal sensations, emotional changes or altered consciousness. Partial seizures are divided into simple partial seizures (without loss of consciousness) and complex partial seizures (with altered consciousness).

Absence seizures: These are brief episodes of loss of consciousness, usually lasting only a few seconds. During an absence seizure, the person may appear disconnected and not respond to external stimuli.

Myoclonic seizures: These are characterised by rapid and sudden muscle jerks in the body. These jerks may affect a single muscle or groups of muscles.

There are many other types of epileptic seizures, and each one can present a unique combination of symptoms. It is important to note that epilepsy is a chronic and recurring medical condition, and not all epileptic seizures are the same for every person. If someone has epilepsy, it is important to work with a doctor to obtain an accurate diagnosis and establish an appropriate treatment plan.

WHAT TO DO WHEN SOMEONE HAS AN EPILEPTIC SEIZURE?

If you witness someone having an epileptic seizure, it is important to follow these steps to help that person safely:

Stay calm: Remain calm and remember that epileptic seizures usually only last a few minutes. Staying calm will allow you to act effectively.

Ensure a safe environment: Remove any nearby objects that could pose a danger to the person during the seizure, such as sharp furniture or hard surfaces. Place pillows or soft objects around the person’s head to prevent injuries.

Do not restrict movements: Do not try to restrain or control the person’s movements during the seizure. The movements are involuntary and restraining them could cause harm. Also, avoid placing objects in the person’s mouth to prevent biting, as this could cause further injury.

Protect the head: If possible, place something soft under the person’s head to protect it from possible impacts. However, do not try to move the person during the seizure unless they are in a dangerous location.

Observe and record: Keep track of how long the seizure lasts and any unusual symptoms or behaviour you observe. This information will be useful for doctors later.

Maintain privacy: Always respect the privacy of the person having the seizure and prevent other people from getting too close or taking photographs or videos without their consent.

Provide support after the seizure: Once the seizure has ended, help the person get into a comfortable resting position. Stay with them until they have fully recovered and are alert.

Seek medical attention if necessary: If the seizure lasts more than five minutes, if injuries occur during the seizure, or if the person does not recover properly after the episode, call emergency services or take the person to a medical facility.

It is important to remember that these tips are general and do not replace specific instructions that may be provided by medical professionals or epilepsy specialists. If you know someone with epilepsy, it is recommended to learn about their specific needs and how to provide appropriate support in the event of a seizure.

HOW LONG CAN AN EPILEPTIC SEIZURE LAST?

The duration of an epileptic seizure can vary widely. Some seizures may last only a few seconds, while others can continue for several minutes. In most cases, epileptic seizures last between one and two minutes. However, there are exceptional cases in which seizures may last longer.

It is important to keep in mind that there are different types of epileptic seizures, and their duration may depend on the specific type of epilepsy a person has and each individual’s response. Some types of seizures, such as generalised tonic or clonic seizures, may last longer than others, such as absence seizures, which are brief episodes of loss of consciousness.

If you are witnessing an epileptic seizure and the episode lasts more than five minutes, or if the person does not recover properly after the seizure, it is important to seek emergency medical attention, as medication may be required to stop the seizure and prevent complications.