I’ve wanted to put something like this up for awhile. Since it’s Epilepsy Awareness Month, I can’t think of a better time to post something on Seizure First Aid and what to do if you witness a seizure. Most people are frightened by seeing someone have a seizure, but witnesses can do a tremendous service by staying with the person and remaining calm. Afterward, the sufferer will most likely be dazed and confused. Witnesses should remain with the person and reassure that person that he or she is all right. Witnesses should also make sure the epileptic person doesn’t wander into a road or near heavy machinery. There is no danger of any onlookers being hurt.
During the seizure:
- Try to keep track of the length of the seizure.
- If the person is lying down, turn the person on his or her side. This is important should the person start to foam at the mouth. If they are on their side, they won’t be at risk of choking.
- Put something soft, like a jacket, under his or her head
- Clear the person’s immediate area of any sharp or hazardous objects.
- If the person is wearing glasses, remove them.
- Loosen tight clothing.
- NEVER put anything in the mouth of a person having a seizure. Doing so might result in broken teeth or loss of fingers from you. It’s a myth that a person having a seizure is in danger of swallowing their own tongue.
- Do not restrain the person. A seizure must be allowed to run its course.
After the Seizure:
- Do not offer any food or drink unless the person is fully awake.
- Allow the person to rest.
- Speak in soothing tones. Seizures can be very disorienting for the person so speaking calmly to them will help them re orient themselves and not panic.
Call 9-1-1 IF:
- The person is having a seizure for more than 5 minutes without regaining consciousness
- The person is injured, pregnant, has trouble breathing or has diabetes.
- The person asks for an ambulance.
In honor of Epilepsy Awareness Month, I am going to donate money earned for the “Bacon For A Cure” t shirts to the Charlie Foundation, a great charity dedicated to dietary therapy for epilepsy. The Charlie Foundation is the reason why I first became aware of dietary therapy to begin with. To learn more about this great organization, visit them here.
***Disclaimer*** I am NOT a medical professional. Anything you read here is simply information that I have obtained through my own research on the subject. As such, I cannot give medical or nutritional advice.