Seizures are more common than you might think. Did you know that about 1 in 10 people in the United States experiences a seizure in their lifetime? This statistic underscores the importance of being prepared to provide first aid treatment for seizure.
One day, you might find yourself in a position to help someone experiencing a seizure - wouldn't you want to be ready?
Understanding Seizures and Their Types
Seizures are sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain. While epilepsy is a common cause of seizures, not all seizures are epileptic. Recognizing different seizure types is key to providing appropriate first aid treatment for seizure.
Types of Seizures
Generalized Seizures: These affect both sides of the brain and may cause loss of consciousness. During a generalized seizure, a person might:
Fall down if they lose muscle tone or consciousness
Shake or jerk
Twitch in body or eyelids
Become unaware of their surroundings
Focal Seizures: These start in one area of the brain and may cause:
Involuntary movement of a specific body part
Altered sensations or emotions
Confusion or altered awareness
Absence Seizures: These cause brief lapses in awareness, often mistaken for daydreaming
Tonic-clonic Seizures: These involve loss of consciousness, muscle stiffening, and jerking movements
Essential Steps in Seizure First Aid
When confronted with a seizure situation, remember these crucial steps for first aid treatment:
Maintain composure: Your calm demeanor can help both the person experiencing the seizure and others around you.
Provide constant supervision: Stay with the individual throughout the episode and recovery period.
Create a safe environment: Quickly scan the area and remove any objects that could potentially cause harm during involuntary movements.
Look for medical identification: Check for a medical bracelet or card that might provide vital information about the person's condition, medications, or emergency contacts.
Ensure proper positioning: If the person is on the ground, gently roll them onto their side, resting their head on their arm or something soft. This "recovery position" helps maintain an open airway and allows any fluids to drain from the mouth.
Monitor duration: Use your phone or watch to time the seizure. This information can be crucial for medical professionals if emergency care is needed.
Assist in the aftermath: Once the seizure subsides, help the person find a comfortable and safe place to rest and recover.
Provide reassurance: When they regain full awareness, calmly explain what happened and reassure them that they're safe.
Arrange safe transportation: Offer to contact a family member or friend who can ensure the person gets home safely.
Document the event: If possible, make notes about the seizure's duration, characteristics, and any potential triggers. This information can be valuable for the person's healthcare provider.
Extra Tailored Steps for Generalized Seizures
Generalized seizures often result in loss of consciousness and require a tailored approach to first aid treatment for seizure. When encountering such a situation, consider these additional measures:
Guide their descent: If you notice signs of impending collapse, gently support the person to the ground. This prevents potential injuries from an uncontrolled fall.
Create a protective zone: Swiftly remove furniture, sharp objects, or any potential hazards within the person's reach. This minimizes the risk of injury during involuntary movements.
Improvise cushioning: Place a soft, flat object beneath their head - a folded jacket or cushion works well. This helps prevent head injuries without elevating the head too much.
Remove potential breakables: Carefully take off the person's eyeglasses if they're wearing any. This prevents possible facial injuries and protects the glasses from damage.
Ensure unrestricted breathing: Check for any tight clothing around the neck area, such as scarves or ties, and loosen them to facilitate easier breathing.
Monitor body temperature: If the seizure persists, be aware of potential overheating. Remove heavy outer clothing if necessary, but maintain the person's dignity.
When to Call 911 for Seizure Episodes
While many seizures resolve on their own, certain scenarios necessitate immediate medical intervention and advanced first aid treatment for seizure. Don't hesitate to call emergency services (911 in the US) if you observe any of the following:
Prolonged seizure activity: If the seizure continues for more than 5 minutes, it could lead to a dangerous condition called status epilepticus.
Cluster seizures: Multiple seizures occurring in quick succession without full recovery in between can be life-threatening.
Post-ictal breathing difficulties: If the person struggles to breathe or regain consciousness after the seizure ends, immediate medical attention is crucial.
Seizure-related injuries: Any injuries sustained during the seizure, particularly head injuries, require professional evaluation.
Aquatic seizures: Seizures occurring in or around water pose a high risk of drowning and always warrant emergency response.
First-time seizures: If there's no known history of epilepsy or seizures, it's essential to rule out underlying causes.
Seizures in people with diabetes: Loss of consciousness in a person with diabetes could indicate severe blood sugar imbalances requiring urgent care.
Seizures during pregnancy: Pregnant individuals experiencing seizures should always receive prompt medical evaluation due to potential risks to both mother and fetus.
What Not to Do During a Seizure?
Remember, during a seizure, it's equally important to know what not to do as part of proper first aid treatment for seizure:
Never try to restrain the person or stop their movements
Don't put anything in their mouth.
Avoid giving them food, water, or medication until they're fully alert and able to swallow safely
After the Seizure: Important Considerations
Is It OK to Sleep Right After a Seizure?
Many people experience extreme fatigue following a seizure, a phenomenon known as the postictal state. This exhaustion is a natural part of the recovery process, and the desire to sleep is common.
Generally, it's safe to allow rest if the person has fully regained consciousness and isn't showing any concerning symptoms.
What to Avoid After the First Seizure?
After experiencing a first seizure, it's crucial to avoid activities that could be dangerous if another seizure occurs, such as driving or swimming, until cleared by a medical professional.
The Importance of Proper First Aid Treatment for Seizure
Mastering first aid treatment for seizure is an invaluable skill that can save lives and provide comfort to those experiencing seizures. Remember, while these guidelines are helpful, it's always best to consult a neurologist for personalized advice and treatment plans, especially after a first seizure or if seizures are recurring. Those in Arizona can visit the best neurologists in the region at the Neurology Associates Neuroscience Center in Chandler or Mesa.
By educating ourselves and others about proper seizure first aid, we create a safer environment for everyone. Whether you're seizure first aid certified or not, having this knowledge empowers you to act confidently and compassionately in seizure emergencies.