MAJOR SEIZURE

This is what most people would recognize as epilepsy, and there are typically four stages:

1. Many people get a sense that a seizure is likely to occur.
2. The electrical impulses lead to a contraction in the muscles that causes the epilepsy sufferer to fall to the ground with a cry. This is known as the tonic phase. The victim’s muscles may then go into spasm. This is known as the clonic stage. During this stage the victim will not be breathing.
3. When convulsion is over, the victim will be in state of unconsciousness.
4. On recovery from unconsciousness, the victim will be very sleepy and will want to rest for some time.

Right

Try to protect a person during an epileptic seizure by moving sharp or heavy objects out of the way and placing a pillow or folded article of clothing under the head to cushion it.

MINOR FITS

During a minor fit, somebody with epilepsy suffers a brief disturbance in the brain’s normal activity, leading to a lack of awareness of his or her surroundings. To the observer it might seem like the person is daydreaming or has suddenly switched off.

There is little for you to do other than to guide the person away from danger and reassure him when he returns to normal. If he is not aware of any similar episodes happening before, advise him to see a doctor.

TREATMENT FOR MAJOR EPILEPTIC SEIZURE

1. During seizure, do not try to restrain the person. The muscular contraction are so strong during a fit that holding a person down may lead to broken bones—yours and his. Do not attempt to put anything in the mouth. Try to protect the victim—move sharp objects out of the way, remove constrictions and, if possible, place a soft coat under the head.
   
   
2. Once the seizure has finished, check the victim’s airway and breathing and be prepared to resuscitate in the unlikely event that this is necessary. Place the person in the recovery position.
   
   
3. When the victim comes round, offer reassurance. The person may have lost control of bowel or bladder function so cover him up and, when he is steady on his feet, help him to find somewhere to clean up. He is likely to be very tired so, if possible, find him somewhere to lie down and sleep. Most of all, ask him what he wants to do—most epileptics manage the condition very well and will have their own coping strategies.

Above

During minor fit a person may appear to have suddenly switched off. If this happens, stay by the person so that you can reassure him when his behavior returns to normal. Seek medical advice if this is the first episode.

Left

After the seizure is over, check airway and breathing and place the victim in the recovery position.

INFANTILE CONVULSIONS (CAUSED BY HEAT)

Babies and young children may have seizures induced by a high temperature. This may be the result of an infection or because they are over wrapped and in a warm environment. The signs and symptoms are similar to a major epileptic seizure.

TREATMENT

Make sure that the child is protected from hitting himself on a bed or cot—do not attempt to restrain. Cool down by removing bedclothes and clothing where possible. Sponge the head and under the arms with a tepid flannel or sponge, re-soaking it regularly. When the convulsion is finished, check ABC and take action as appropriate. In most cases, the child will want to sleep. Dress him in dry clothes and let him sleep. Call a doctor for advice.

WHEN TO CALL AN AMBULANCE

Generally, neither epilepsy nor infantile convulsion are medical emergencies. However, you should be prepared to call an ambulance if:

• The victim is injured during the seizure.
• The seizure lasts for longer than 3 minutes.
• There are repeated seizures in a short period of time.
• The victim does not regain consciousness,