First Aid Advice - Epileptic Seizures
Epileptic seizures are due to recurrent, major disturbances of brain activity. Just before a seizure the patient may have a brief warning period with a strange feeling, or a particular smell or taste.
A major fit may involve sudden loss of consciousness, absence of breathing, convulsive movements and the body becoming rigid.
Treatment
- Protect the patient from their surroundings to avoid injury by moving items out of the way which may cause injury
- Allow seizure to run its course and keep monitoring the patient
- Do not place anything in the patient's mouth
- Once seizure is over, place patient in recovery position
- Reassure the patient as they may be confused or embasassed
- Call for help if the patient is unconscious for more than ten minutes, the seizure continues for more than five minutes, they have repeated seizures, it's their first seizure, or if they're not aware of any reason for the seizure
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