Find care near me 
Key Points
- Seizures, which can affect anyone at any age, are caused by interruptions in brain activity and can vary in severity from generalized tonic clonic seizures to more subtle focal seizures.
- Recognizing the signs of a seizure is vital for providing effective assistance, which includes staying calm, ensuring the person's safety, cushioning their head, and loosening tight clothing.
- It's crucial to seek emergency medical help if the seizure lasts longer than five minutes, if another seizure immediately follows, or if the person has difficulty breathing or waking up after the seizure.
- After a seizure, the person should be reassured and rolled onto their side to keep their airway clear.
- It's important not to intervene inappropriately during a seizure, such as by holding the person down, putting anything in their mouth, or offering food or water until the person is fully alert.
Seizures are neurological events that can affect individuals of all ages, often occurring without warning and lasting from a few seconds to several minutes, according to the Epilepsy Foundation. They note that understanding how to recognize the signs and symptoms of a seizure is crucial for providing timely and effective assistance to those in need.
Seizures are caused by interruptions of brain activity. Seizure first aid will depend on the type of seizure. There are different types of seizures, including ranging from generalized tonic clonic seizures (also known as grand mal seizures) characterized by muscle stiffening and jerking movements, to more subtle focal seizures that may involve unusual sensations or behaviors. Being familiar with these symptoms can help bystanders react swiftly and confidently, reducing the risk of injury and promoting a supportive environment for the individual affected. With the right information and preparation, anyone can play a vital role in seizure first aid, making a significant difference in emergency situations.
How to Keep Someone Safe During a Seizure?
When someone is experiencing a seizure, knowing how to keep them safe is essential for minimizing the risk of injury and providing comfort during a potentially frightening episode, according to the Epilepsy Foundation.
The following steps outline the appropriate actions to take, ensuring that the individual receives the best possible care while allowing the seizure to run its course.
-
Stay calm and remain with the person throughout the seizure.
-
Keep them safe by moving any nearby objects that could cause injury.
-
Place something soft under their head to cushion it.
-
Loosen any tight clothing to help with comfort and breathing.
-
If the seizure lasts longer than five minutes or if another seizure follows immediately, seek emergency medical assistance.
-
After the seizure is over, roll them onto their side to help keep their airway clear, especially if they have food or fluid in their mouth.
-
Reassure the person until they regain full consciousness and are aware of their surroundings.
-
If possible, time the duration of the seizure to provide helpful information to medical professionals if needed.
When Do I Need Emergency Medical Attention?
Recognizing when to seek emergency medical attention during or after a seizure is crucial for ensuring the safety and health of the individual affected, according to the CDC. They note that while many seizures are brief and may not require medical intervention, certain situations warrant immediate action to prevent serious complications or further harm.
The following list outlines specific scenarios in which emergency assistance should be sought.
-
The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes.
-
The person has another seizure soon after the first one.
-
They experience difficulty breathing or trouble waking up after the seizure.
-
The individual sustains injuries, such as a head injury or injury of the tongue, during the seizure.
-
The seizure occurs in water, posing a risk of drowning.
What Should You Avoid When Someone Is Having a Seizure?
When someone is having a seizure, it's equally important to know what actions to avoid in order to ensure their safety and well-being, according to the CDC. They explain that misguided attempts to intervene can lead to injury or worsen the situation.
Understanding these critical "don'ts" can help bystanders provide appropriate support without causing harm.
-
Don’t hold the person down or try to stop their movements, as this could injure both you and them.
-
Don’t put anything in their mouth, as this can damage their teeth or jaw.
-
Don’t attempt to give mouth-to-mouth breaths during the seizure; individuals typically resume breathing on their own once the seizure ends.
-
Don’t offer water or food until the person is fully alert, as doing so could pose a choking hazard.
Urgent care near me
Use SolvHealth to find top-rated urgent care clinics near you that can help you with long-term seizure management.
Frequently asked questions
What causes seizures?
Seizures are caused by interruptions in brain activity.What are the different types of seizures?
Seizures can range from generalized tonic clonic seizures, which involve muscle stiffening and jerking movements, to more subtle focal seizures that may involve unusual sensations or behaviors.How can I assist someone who is having a seizure?
During a seizure, stay calm, ensure the person's safety by removing any nearby objects that could cause injury, cushion their head, and loosen any tight clothing. Do not hold the person down, put anything in their mouth, or attempt to give mouth-to-mouth breaths during the seizure.When should I seek emergency medical help for a seizure?
Seek emergency medical assistance if the seizure lasts longer than five minutes, if another seizure immediately follows, or if the person has difficulty breathing or waking up after the seizure.What should I do after a seizure has occurred?
After the seizure, reassure the person and roll them onto their side to keep their airway clear. Do not offer water or food until the person is fully alert.What should I avoid doing during a seizure?
Avoid holding the person down, putting anything in their mouth, attempting to give mouth-to-mouth breaths during the seizure, or offering water or food until the person is fully alert.Can a seizure occur in water?
Yes, a seizure can occur in water. In such cases, it's crucial to seek emergency medical attention immediately.Can anyone at any age experience a seizure?
Yes, seizures can affect anyone at any age.
LinkedIn
