A tonic-clonic seizure occurs when a person is experiencing the stiffening of certain body parts, shaking, or has lost consciousness.
Do
- The key to a successful first aid is being calm.
- Stay with the person until the episode ends.
- Keep the person safe from harm by removing hazardous objects out of the way.
- If the person is on the floor, put something soft behind their head to prevent further injuries.
- Make sure the person is breathing by turning them on their side while positioning their mouth facing the ground. Doing this can help clear the airways and prevent saliva from blocking them.
- Usually, a tonic-clonic seizure lasts for about one to three minutes, so make sure to stay by the person’s side.
- Once the episode has subsided and the person regains consciousness, calmly inform the person what has happened and ask them if they are okay.
- Comfort the person and stay until they feel safe.
Focal seizures
In this particular case, a person experiences changes in senses and motion, or lack of mental functioning.
Do
- A person having a focal seizure is not aware of their environment even if they are awake. So, if you happen to witness someone who is having this kind of episode, make sure to guide them away from unsafe places and risky objects.
- After the episode, ask the person calmly if they are all right and if they are aware of what is happening.
- Make sure the person stays calm by staying with them until they fully recover, or until someone comes to pick them up.
Don’t
- Refrain from pinning the person down or never attempt to restrain them from shaking. Restraining them may cause more injury to the patient as well as others.
- Never put something inside the mouth of a person who is having a seizure, as this may result in choking.
- Do not give water, medicine, or anything else to a person having a seizure.
- Refrain from giving CPR or mouth-to-mouth breaths as the person will eventually breathe normally after a seizure.
Call for emergency if:
- A seizure has been going on for about five minutes or a second seizure has begun
- The person has not regained consciousness five minutes after an episode
- A person has been experiencing more episodes than typical
- The person is hurt, turning blue, or choking
- A pregnant woman is having a seizure
- The person you are with is having a seizure for the first time
- You are not knowledgeable about first aid.
Key Takeaways
Living with epilepsy can be overwhelming, frightening, and stressful since unpredictable seizure episodes can happen at any time. However, it is advantageous to learn about epilepsy first aid tips at home.
Knowing first aid will not only help you relieve the stress of someone having an episode, but it can also save lives. Keep in mind though that calling for professional/ medical help is still the best way to ensure the safety of a person with epilepsy.
Learn more about Epilepsy, here.
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