Epileptic Seizures: Essential Home First Aid Tips
Knowing how to respond when someone is experiencing an epileptic seizure or showing early warning signs is crucial. The first step is to gently lay the person down on a flat surface to prevent falls or injuries. Place them on their back or side with their head tilted to one side to help keep the airway clear and allow saliva or vomit to drain easily. Remove any nearby objects that could cause harm, loosen tight clothing such as collars or belts, and remove glasses or dentures if possible.
Is It Safe to Administer Medication During a Seizure?
During a seizure, it is not advisable to give food, water, or medication orally. Doing so increases the risk of choking or aspiration. Additionally, oral medications take time to be absorbed into the bloodstream and are unlikely to have an immediate effect during a seizure episode. It's best to wait until the seizure has ended and the person is fully alert before offering any medication, and only under medical guidance.
How to Prevent Choking During a Seizure
Choking is a real concern during an epileptic seizure, especially if the person vomits or has difficulty swallowing. Signs of choking may include gasping, rapid heartbeat, panic, or erratic movements. If choking occurs, position the person with their head lower than their body and carefully remove any visible blockage from the mouth using a finger sweep or suction device. Back slaps or abdominal thrusts may also help dislodge the object. If available, administer oxygen and contact emergency services immediately.
Should You Place an Object in the Person's Mouth?
Some believe that placing a bite block or soft object in the mouth can prevent tongue biting during a seizure. However, this practice is not recommended. Trying to force anything into the mouth can cause injuries such as broken teeth or jaw damage. Instead, focus on protecting the person's head and keeping the area clear until the seizure ends.
Can You Stop or Shorten a Seizure?
Once a seizure begins, there is little that can be done to stop it. The best approach is to protect the person from injury and ensure they are breathing properly. Never attempt to restrain their movements or press down on their limbs, as this can lead to fractures or dislocations. Common myths, such as pinching the nose or applying pressure to the hands, do not stop seizures and should be avoided.
What to Observe During a Seizure
Family members play a vital role in helping doctors diagnose and manage epilepsy. During a seizure, stay calm and observe key details such as the start of the episode, the initial symptoms, whether the movement is on one side or both sides of the body, if the eyes or head turn to one side, the duration of the seizure, and whether the person loses consciousness. Recording these details can help doctors classify the seizure type and tailor treatment accordingly.
Handling Seizures With Psychiatric Symptoms
Some seizures may present with psychiatric or behavioral symptoms, such as sudden wandering, aggression, inappropriate behavior, or emotional extremes like fear, anger, or hallucinations. In such cases, family members should monitor the person closely, ensure their safety, and contact a healthcare provider for guidance. Providing emotional support and preventing dangerous actions is essential during these episodes.
What to Do in Case of Status Epilepticus
If a seizure lasts longer than five minutes or if the person experiences repeated seizures without regaining consciousness in between, seek emergency medical help immediately. This condition, known as status epilepticus, can be life-threatening and requires urgent treatment in a hospital setting. Home remedies or first aid alone are not sufficient in such cases, and prompt medical intervention is critical to prevent long-term complications or death.