What to do with epileptic seizures

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that leads to seizure due to the abnormal functioning of certain neurons in the cerebral cortex. It is mistakenly thought that epilepsy is a mental or psychological disorder but it is a physical disorder. It is a chronic disease that usually emerges in childhood or adolescence of people who suffer it and that is experienced in different ways and in different types of seizure.

Epileptic people usually follow a medical process and are under drug treatment to control their physical problem and reduce or control seizures. In this article we will know the different epileptic seizures and what to do before an epileptic seizure.

Generalized absence seizure

These are the most common type of seizure and it tends to go unnoticed. It consists in the loss of the person’s presence. Suddenly he is absorbed, with a lost look, without mobility and without apparent knowledge of his physical and mental situation. This type of seizure can occur more than once a day and are not especially dangerous. These are not very visible and, sometimes, go unnoticed.

What to do in the absence of epileptic seizures

What we should do to accompany this type of seizure is to ensure that the person does not fall into the trap, in the case that is standing we can get close to him and control that remains stable on his legs, without touching him. We should only touch it if we see that he falls, because it will be important to accompany him so that he does not hurt himself during the fall.

While the seizure lasts, which usually ranges from a few seconds to a maximum of three minutes, we should only attend to the aforementioned. When the seizure passes, we should try to lay the person who has suffered it and make him rest. It will also be important to drink water and hydrate as there is a high physical exhaustion, although it may not seem.

Myoclonic seizure

They consist of a spasm or shake of a part of the body or of the whole body. In the second case they usually involve an immediate fall to the ground. There is no loss of consciousness and it last only a couple of seconds. When these are partial, that is to say, that only involve a part of the body, it can go unnoticed, since the part that usually involves the upper extremities.

First aid to epileptic attack

In the face of these crises, what we should do is monitor the fall, although it will be very difficult to get ahead of the seizure as they arrive without prior notice, therefore we cannot anticipate it. The only option that we have is, once it has happened, to observe if the person who has suffered it is in good physical condition or if on the contrary he needs some cure. In the event of a blow to the head when falling, it will be important to visit the doctor so that he can analyze the damage.

Atonic seizure

It consists of the loss of muscle tone, of consciousness and the consequent fall to the ground. It happens in a matter of seconds and can remain without consciousness for other seconds.

In these crises, as in the previous ones, it will be difficult to anticipate and prevent the fall, so we must act once the person is on the ground. We must observe how long it remains without conscience and, if possible, point it to have control. If they are too long can affect the nervous or cardiac system and a doctor should assess the case. If we see that the loss of consciousness is long, more than five minutes, we should call a doctor so that he can act in case of emergency.

Another aspect to consider is the fall, the possible blows, hemorrhages or ailments. In that case we must heal the wounds if it is something superficial or go to the medical services if it is more serious.

Tonic-clonic seizure

They are the least common seizure but the best known because they are more violent and striking. They consist in the loss of consciousness, with the consequent fall in the floor and seizures, more or less strong depending on the case. They usually lead to more problems and are more aggressive with the person who suffers. It is in these crises when our presence as companions becomes more important and we must be clear about what we should do and above all, remain calm.

What to do in case of seizures

• Place and accompany the person on the floor, preferably in a fetal position, that is, curled up on one of their sides. If it is not possible, nothing happens, but we should be alert to possible vomiting to move the person quickly to the side so that he does not drown.
• Place a cushion, blanket or soft object under the head so that he is not injured with convulsions and blows.
• Remove all objects that may pose a risk to the person: sharp, hot, electric objects, etc.
• Unbutton and loosen his personal garments, his clothes, belt, take off his watch, so that he do not hurt himself and can move better.
• Leave the person free to move and not immobilize.
• Do not place anything in the mouth of the person because it is dangerous because it might swallow or suffocate with the object.
• Do not make the mouth to mouth and do not give water or pills.
• Once the episode is over, we must give the person time to recover and let him rest.

In the event that the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, it is repeated within 15 minutes or causes serious damage we should call the emergency service so they can analyze the situation and take the necessary actions. On the other hand, it is common for people to relate epileptic seizures and swallow their tongues. The reality is that this does not happen and we do not have to put any object in his mouth – which could choke him. Nor should you put your hands in the mouth of the person who has seizures, in addition to being useless for the epileptic carries a high risk of biting.

It is important that epilepsy be under medical treatment or review. That is why if you suffer these episodes or know someone who has suffered you make sure visit the doctor on a regular basis, as it is a disease that allows controlled to lead a normal life.

Having all this knowledge and resources will help you be useful in times of seizure to accompany people who suffer from this disease.