Seizure First Aid

SEIZURE FIRST AID: A Comprehensive Guide for Different Types of Seizures

Seizures can be a distressing experience for both the person experiencing them and those witnessing them. Understanding how to provide first aid and what actions to take during different types of seizures can save lives and reduce harm. This blog post provides detailed guidance on what to do during various seizure types, along with specific tips on when to seek medical help.

Note: In 2017, the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) updated its classification of seizures. You can read more about the new classification here.

Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizures (Previously Known as Grand Mal Seizures)

Signs and Symptoms:

  • The person will experience muscle rigidity followed by violent muscle contractions.
  • Loss of consciousness.
  • Possible symptoms before the seizure (aura): dizziness, hallucinations, sensory changes (taste, smell, or vision).

First Aid:

  1. Stay Calm: While seizures can be alarming, most of the time they don’t require an ambulance unless specific circumstances apply (e.g., lasting more than 5 minutes).
  2. Help the Person to the Floor: Gently guide them to a safe place, ensuring they are not at risk of injury.
  3. Clear the Area: Move furniture or other objects away that could harm the person during the seizure.
  4. Protect the Head: Use a soft object or cushion to protect the person’s head from hitting the ground.
  5. Loosen Tight Clothing: Particularly around the neck area.
  6. Do NOT Place Anything in the Mouth: This can cause choking or injury.
  7. Record the Duration: Note how long the seizure lasts and any observable symptoms to inform medical professionals.
  8. Avoid Restraining: Do not try to hold the person down during the seizure. Let the seizure run its course.
  9. When to Call 911:
    • If the person is a child.
    • If the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes.
    • If there is a series of seizures (status epilepticus).
  10. Post-Seizure Care: Once the seizure ends, lay the person on their side to help maintain open airways. Remain with the person until they regain full awareness.

Post-Seizure Symptoms:

  • Sleepiness: The person may feel very tired afterward and may need time to rest.
  • Confusion & Amnesia: The person might not remember the seizure.
  • Weakness (Todd’s Paralysis): This is temporary and usually affects one side of the body.

Non-Convulsive Seizures (Focal Seizures)

First Aid for Non-Convulsive Seizures:

  • Stay Calm: Keep track of the seizure’s duration.
  • Do NOT Restrain: Focal seizures often involve some loss of awareness but do not typically require physical restraint.
  • Clear Potential Hazards: Remove sharp or hot objects that could cause injury.
  • Monitor the Person: Speak calmly and gently guide the individual if they start wandering.
  • Reorientation: After the seizure, help the person reorient themselves if needed.

Types of Non-Convulsive Seizures:

  1. Simple Partial Seizures (No loss of consciousness):
    • Symptoms depend on where the seizure starts in the brain (e.g., muscle contractions, abnormal sensations).
    • The person remains aware throughout and will remember the event.
  2. Complex Partial Seizures (Involves altered awareness or memory):
    • These seizures can include behaviors such as lip smacking, hand movements, or repetitive actions (automatisms).
    • The person may not remember the event afterward.
  3. Absence Seizures (Old term: Petit Mal):
    • Characterized by brief staring spells or “absence” episodes.
    • Typically last only a few seconds, but may occur repeatedly throughout the day.

When to Seek Medical Help for Non-Convulsive Seizures:

  • If the seizures become frequent or the person has difficulty recovering afterward.

Seizures in Water

A seizure occurring in water can be extremely dangerous. Here’s how to handle it:

  1. Support the Person’s Head: Tilt the person’s head backward so their airway stays clear and their face remains above the water.
  2. Get the Person Out of Water: Once the seizure is over, remove the person from the water as soon as possible, maintaining head support during the removal.
  3. Medical Evaluation: Even if the person seems fully recovered, take them to an emergency room for a thorough check-up. Ingesting water can sometimes cause hidden damage to the lungs or heart.
  4. CPR if Necessary: If the person is not breathing, initiate artificial respiration immediately.

Additional Resources and Studies

General Guidelines for Seizure First Aid:

  • The Epilepsy Foundation offers detailed resources on seizure first aid. You can read their guidelines here.
  • The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) provides insights into the causes and treatments of seizures. For more information, visit their site here.
  • The International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) has comprehensive information about seizure classification and treatment options. Their updated guidelines can be found here.

References:

Conclusion

Seizure first aid is an essential skill that can help you respond effectively in an emergency. Understanding the different types of seizures and knowing when to seek medical attention can make all the difference. Whether you’re dealing with a generalized tonic-clonic seizure or a non-convulsive seizure, the key to effective response is staying calm, ensuring the person’s safety, and monitoring the situation closely. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice regarding seizure management.

If you or a loved one has epilepsy, it’s vital to have an action plan in place, including knowing the signs of a seizure, understanding first aid techniques, and seeking medical care when necessary.

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