Epilepsy Seizure First Aid: What You Need to Know

During an epileptic seizure, a person may experience a range of symptoms including sudden loss of consciousness, convulsions in the limbs, upward rolling of the eyes, foaming at the mouth, and loss of bladder or bowel control. These episodes typically last from a few seconds to several minutes and stop on their own. If someone nearby is experiencing a seizure, it's important to remain calm and take immediate action to protect them from injury and support their recovery.

Immediate Response During a Seizure

One of the first things to do is to keep the person in the position you found them, avoiding any unnecessary movement. Traditional methods such as applying pressure to acupuncture points like "Ren Zhong" (GV26) or "Yong Quan" (KI1) can be used if no needles are available—simply apply firm pressure with your fingers. If medication is available, administering diazepam (Valium) intravenously, intramuscularly, or orally can help reduce the duration and severity of the seizure.

Protecting the Airway and Preventing Injury

To prevent the person from biting their tongue or damaging their teeth, place a soft, sturdy object—such as a tongue depressor wrapped in gauze—between their upper and lower teeth. It's also crucial to loosen clothing around the neck and waist to help them breathe more easily. Make sure the surrounding area is clear of hard objects, and gently support the person's body to prevent them from falling and injuring their head or other parts of the body.

Post-Seizure Care and Monitoring

After the seizure has subsided, help the person into a stable side-lying position. This helps maintain an open airway and allows any fluids to drain from the mouth, reducing the risk of choking. Ensure they are in a well-ventilated space and monitor their breathing closely.

Managing Complications Like Fever or Breathing Difficulties

If the person develops a high temperature during or after the seizure, use physical cooling techniques such as applying damp cloths to the forehead or gently fanning them to reduce body temperature and prevent complications like pneumonia. If the person is unconscious or having trouble breathing, provide supplemental oxygen if available to avoid hypoxia-related complications.

Understanding and applying proper first aid during an epileptic seizure can make a significant difference in the person's safety and recovery. Always seek professional medical assistance if the seizure lasts longer than five minutes or if the person has difficulty breathing afterward.