Epilepsy derives its name from a Greek work epilambabein which when
translated means to seize or attack. Epilepsy has been around for a very long
time. Hippocrates described epilepsy as far back as 350 B.C. and references to
epilepsy can be found in the Bible. For this reason many people think that
epilepsy is a well understood disorder. Sadly this is not the case. Most people
are not aware of how to handle a situation where someone has a seizure.
What Is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy can be described simply as a neurological disorder. A seizure
results when there is a brief electrical disturbance in the brain. The location
of the disturbance determines the length and complexity of a seizure.
Epilepsy First Aid
If you are with someone and they have a seizure you should:
Look at your watch
immediately. Timing a seizure is very important. If a seizure lasts over
five minutes call an ambulance or send someone for help.
Remain calm and speak in a
reassuring voice to the person having a seizure. Do not assume they cannot
hear you.
There is no way to stop a
seizure once it starts. Do not try to hold a person down when they are
having a seizure. You may injure them.
Remove anything sharp or hard
from the immediate area. This will ensure the person having a seizure does
not get hurt.
Loosen ties or any
restrictive clothing the person may be wearing immediately. This will
ensure breathing is not compromised.
If possible place something
flat and soft under the person’s head. A quick thinking bystander could
prevent many injuries to the face.
Roll the person onto their
side to make sure their airway does not become obstructed.
Do not try to force anything
into the person’s mouth. You cannot swallow your tongue during a seizure
this is a myth. You can however cause a great deal of damage to the jaw
and teeth by not responding in the correct fashion to a seizure disorder.
Once the seizure ends the
person may be confused or cry. Do not rush them. Ask if there is anyone
you can call. Do not leave until the person is out of danger.