Epilepsy first aid: Five essential steps everyone should know

Dr Bhushan Joshi

A common neurological condition called epilepsy causes a person to frequently experience spontaneous seizures. Medication helps about 70 per cent of individuals with epilepsy control their seizures. People who experience seizures on a regular basis are more vulnerable to the possible risk factors connected with seizures, especially if seizures are sudden and cause loss of awareness. Like other chronic illnesses like diabetes or asthma, epilepsy carries certain risks. These have the potential to become very serious if neglected.

First aid for epileptic seizures

• Stay calm and stay by that person. Continue to be by the person’s side until they are fully cognizant and alert again. As they heal from the experience, give them comfort and confidence. If needed, assist them in finding a peaceful, secure place to sleep. Ensure their safety and shield them from danger.
• Adjust any clothes that are too tight, and place something soft under their head. Once the seizure has ended, turn them onto their side right away if they have food or liquids in their mouth. Until they get better, reassure the person.
• To make sure that their breathing is clean, tilt their head back. When the jerking stops, take the victim out of the water if they are in a pool. If, in the unlikely event that the jerking continues and you are unable to stop it, get assistance from others if possible and get the individual out of the water at the shallow end of the pool.
• Medications and Therapies: Some medications and therapies are suitable for use in specific situations. Known as “rescue medications,” these medications should only be used in an emergency to help halt a seizure as soon as possible. They are not intended to replace regular prescriptions.

Medication and therapies can be given in accordance with the situation:

• Nasally: A haze flowing upwards
• Orally: Taken as a tablet
• Sublingually: Placed below the tongue to disintegrate
• Buccally: inserted to disintegrate between the cheek and the gums
•  Rectally: given through the anus using a gel
• Regular Medical Checkups: Discuss with the doctor the need for a seizure action plan and the appropriate course of action for a seizure. Regular medical checkups and medications are important

Even though the seizure’s symptoms and signs can range from mild to severe, they usually go away in a few minutes. Stick to these to avoid having seizures:

• Take your medication as prescribed.
• Continue your usual sleep schedule and exercise.
• Steer clear of falls and head traumas.
• Checkup often if you have a fever
• Steer clear of flashing lights
• Steer clear of driving, swimming, and heights

Knowing these important steps for providing epilepsy first aid will allow you to serve as a support system for those who are having seizures. A prompt and certain answer can go a long way towards guaranteeing their safety and wellbeing.

Dr Bhushan Joshi is Consultant – Neurology at Manipal Hospital, Kharadi, Pune