First Aid for Seizures: What You Need to Know

Seizures are sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain that can manifest in various ways, ranging from mild muscle twitching to full-body convulsions and loss of consciousness. Knowing basic seizure first aid tips is crucial to ensure the safety of individuals experiencing a seizure. These episodes can be incredibly distressing, not only for the person experiencing them but also for those witnessing the event. Understanding seizures, their causes, types, and the appropriate response is crucial in ensuring the safety and well-being of those affected. This comprehensive guide will delve into the intricacies of seizures, providing detailed information on how to recognize them, when to seek emergency help, and how to administer effective first aid.

What is a Seizure?

A seizure occurs when there is an abnormal surge of electrical activity in the brain. This sudden electrical disruption can affect how a person behaves, moves, and experiences their environment. Seizures can vary widely in their presentation, depending on which part of the brain is affected and the severity of the abnormal activity.

Causes of Seizures:

• Epilepsy: A neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures.

• Fever: In children, high fevers can trigger febrile seizures.

• Head Trauma: Injuries to the brain, such as those sustained in accidents, can lead to seizures.

• Infections: Infections like meningitis, encephalitis, or brain abscesses can cause seizures.

• Electrolyte Imbalances: Abnormal levels of sodium, calcium, or glucose can disrupt brain function.

• Stroke: A disruption in blood flow to the brain can result in seizures.

• Drug Withdrawal: Withdrawal from alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other drugs can trigger seizures.

• Genetic Factors: Certain genetic conditions can predispose individuals to seizures.

• Seizure Triggers: Managing seizure triggers is crucial to reduce the risk of seizures and improve health outcomes for individuals with epilepsy.

Seizures can happen to anyone, at any age, and in any setting. They can occur as isolated incidents or as part of a chronic condition like epilepsy.

Types of Seizures: Tonic Clonic Seizure and Others

Seizures are generally classified into two broad categories: focal seizures and generalized seizures. Each category encompasses several specific types of seizures, each with its own distinct characteristics.

1. Focal Seizures (Partial Seizures):

• Simple Focal Seizures: Affect only one small area of the brain, often causing localized symptoms such as twitching of a limb or changes in sensation (e.g., a tingling feeling). The person remains conscious and aware.

• Complex Focal Seizures: Involve more extensive brain regions and can lead to impaired awareness or consciousness. The person may exhibit repetitive behaviors (e.g., lip-smacking, hand-wringing) and may not remember the event afterward.

2. Generalized Seizures: A generalized seizure impacts both sides of the brain and often results in loss of consciousness.

• Tonic-Clonic Seizures (Grand Mal): A tonic clonic seizure, formerly known as Grand Mal, is a type of convulsive seizure involving loss of consciousness, muscle stiffening (tonic phase), and jerking motions (clonic phase). This type of seizure is what most people visualize when they think of seizures. It is crucial to understand first aid protocols in response to such seizures.

• Absence Seizures (Petit Mal): Brief episodes of staring or lapses in awareness, typically lasting only a few seconds. These are more common in children and can occur multiple times a day.

• Myoclonic Seizures: Sudden, brief jerks or twitches of muscles, usually involving the arms or legs. The person may be fully conscious and aware during these seizures.

• Atonic Seizures: Also known as drop attacks, these involve a sudden loss of muscle tone, causing the person to collapse. Despite their brevity, atonic seizures can lead to significant injuries due to falls.

• Tonic Seizures: These involve sudden stiffening of muscles, often affecting the back, arms, and legs. They usually last only a few seconds but can cause the person to fall.

• Clonic Seizures: Characterized by rhythmic, jerking movements, usually of the arms, legs, or face, without the stiffening phase seen in tonic-clonic seizures.

When to Call 911 for Emergency Medical Help for Someone Having a Seizure

Knowing when to call for emergency medical help is crucial in managing a seizure safely. While not all seizures require emergency medical attention, certain signs indicate a need for immediate help:

• Prolonged Seizure: If the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, this is considered a medical emergency known as status epilepticus, which requires immediate treatment to prevent brain damage or death.

• Multiple Seizures: If the person has repeated seizures without regaining full consciousness in between, call 911 immediately.

• First-Time Seizure: If the person has never had a seizure before, it’s important to get them evaluated by a healthcare professional.

• Injury During Seizure: If the person sustains an injury during the seizure, such as a head injury from a fall, call for help.

• Difficulty Breathing: If the person has trouble breathing or doesn’t resume normal breathing after the seizure ends, seek emergency assistance.

• Pregnancy or Other Medical Conditions: If the person is pregnant, has diabetes, or has another serious medical condition, contact emergency services.

• Seizure in Water: If the person has a seizure in water (e.g., swimming pool, bath), they are at risk of drowning, and emergency services should be contacted immediately.

Seizure First Aid: How to Help Someone Who's Having a Seizure

When someone has a seizure, your primary goal is to protect them from injury and keep them safe until the seizure passes. Seizures can be unpredictable, and knowing how to respond is crucial. Here’s how you can help:

1. Stay Calm and Stay with the Person:

• Remain as calm as possible. Your calm demeanor can help prevent panic in others and can be reassuring to the person experiencing the seizure. Knowing how to provide seizure first aid is essential.

2. Ensure the Person’s Safety:

• Gently guide them to the floor if they are standing, and place something soft under their head to prevent injury.

• Remove any nearby objects that could cause harm, such as furniture, sharp objects, or hot liquids. This helps keep the person safe.

• If the person is wearing glasses, remove them to prevent breakage or injury.

3. Do Not Restrain the Person:

• Avoid holding the person down or trying to stop their movements. This can cause injury to both you and the person having the seizure.

4. Do Not Put Anything in Their Mouth:

• Contrary to popular belief, placing objects in a person’s mouth during a seizure can cause serious harm, including broken teeth or choking. The person will not swallow their tongue.

5. Time the Seizure:

• Use a watch or phone to time the seizure. If it lasts more than 5 minutes, or if another seizure begins immediately after the first, call 911.

6. Turn the Person on Their Side:

• If possible, gently roll the person onto their side once the convulsions stop. This helps keep their airway clear and prevents choking if they vomit.

7. Provide Reassurance:

• After the seizure, the person may be disoriented, confused, or tired. Speak softly and calmly, reassuring them that they are safe. Offer to stay with them until they fully recover.

8. Allow for Rest:

• After a seizure, it’s common for the person to feel exhausted. Encourage them to rest and avoid any strenuous activities for the rest of the day.

Seizures Are Not Always the Same and Can Be Dangerous

Seizures can vary widely in their presentation and severity, and while many are brief and self-limiting, others can be life-threatening. Most seizures are not considered medical emergencies, so it is important to remain calm and know how to respond effectively. Recognizing the different types of seizures and understanding their potential risks is crucial in providing appropriate care.

One of the potential risks associated with epilepsy is sudden unexpected death (SUDEP), which refers to the unexplained death of an otherwise healthy individual with epilepsy. To mitigate the risk of SUDEP, it is essential to focus on seizure control and avoid known triggers.

Seizures can be triggered by various factors, and in some cases, they may indicate an underlying medical condition that requires further investigation. The Epilepsy Foundation is a key resource for free online training and educational resources related to epilepsy and seizure first aid.

Conclusion

Seizures are complex and multifaceted events that require a calm, informed response to ensure the safety and well-being of the person experiencing them. By understanding the different types of seizures, knowing when to seek emergency help, and learning how to provide effective first aid, you can play a critical role in managing a seizure safely. Whether the seizure is a brief absence seizure or a prolonged tonic-clonic event, your ability to act quickly and appropriately can make a significant difference in the outcome.

Always stay with the person during a seizure, protect them from harm, and provide reassurance as they recover. With the right knowledge and preparation, you can help ensure that those affected by seizures receive the care and support they need during these challenging moments. The Epilepsy Learning Portal is a comprehensive resource for virtual and on-demand training programs focused on epilepsy and seizures, aimed at promoting safety and awareness for the millions affected by epilepsy.