First aid for seizure (epilepsy seizure)

Seizures, or seizures, occur due to abnormal electrical discharges in the brain, which lead to the involuntary contraction of various muscles in the body. Typically, seizures last only a few seconds, but they can also last for 2 to 5 minutes and happen several times in a row.

During a seizure crisis it is advised that:

1. Lay the person on the floorto prevent a fall during the convulsive crisis;
2. Place the person lying on their sideto prevent you from choking on your own tongue or vomiting;
3. Give the person spacemoving away objects that are nearby and that could cause injuries, such as tables or chairs;
4. Loosen tight clothesif possible, especially around the neck, such as shirts or ties;
5. Keep Calm and wait for the crisis to pass.

Convulsive episodes can happen in some people due to illnesses, such as epilepsy, but they can also happen due to a lack of blood sugar, drug or alcohol withdrawal and even a high fever. Learn more about the seizure and why it happens.

Generally, the seizure is not serious and does not affect health, however, it is important to go to the hospital to identify the cause and start the most appropriate treatment, especially if the person has not yet been diagnosed with any disease that could cause this type of symptom. .

What not to do

During a convulsive crisis, you should avoid:

• Try to immobilize the person or tie limbs, as this may result in fractures or other injuries;
• Putting your hand in the person’s mouth, as well as objects or cloths;
• Feed or drink until the person is completely alert, even if you suspect a drop in blood sugar.

After the seizure, it is normal for the person to feel confused and not remember what happened, so it is also very important not to abandon the person until they completely regain consciousness, even if the seizures have already ended.

How to identify a seizure

The most typical sign of a seizure is the presence of sudden, uncontrolled movements of the entire body. However, there are cases in which a person can experience a seizure without this type of muscle contraction, depending on the region of the brain where the electrical discharges are occurring.

Thus, other symptoms that may indicate a seizure include:

• Loss of consciousness with fainting;
• Increased saliva production;
• Loss of control of the sphincters;
• Absent gaze or eyes fixed to the top or side.

Furthermore, the person may also become apathetic, failing to respond even when you come into direct contact with them.