EPILEPSY FIRST AID

Emmaline McCulloch, RN

Epilepsy Resource Nurse

9 West

What is a seizure?

Short-lived bursts of uncontrolled energy in the brain.

Seizures can be very scary to watch whether it is a loved one who is

experiencing the seizure, a patient you are treating, or an individual you happened upon

while shopping at the grocery store.

SEIZURES

• Most people think that all seizures are convulsions.

• Seizures may also consist of:– Staring spells– Abnormal movements– Abnormal smells or sounds– Abnormal behaviors

Here are some Guidelines used to assist the individual

having a seizure:

Seizures Guidelines

• Remain cool, calm, and collected. Stay with the individual. Crowd control is important. Limit to 2 people for first aid support.

• Protect the individual from injury by removing sharp objects around them. Place a pillow or folded clothing (towel or jacket) under their head.

Seizure Guidelines

• Turn the individual to their side and loosen tight clothing around their neck and waist.

• Remove eyeglasses

• Do not place anything in the individual’s mouth.

Guidelines Cont.

• Do not restrain the seizure activity.

• Time the seizure activity.

• If a visitor or stranger is having a seizure call 911 or 2-3333 immediately.

• If patient is inpatient at hospital call the nurse immediately or push call bell.

Seizure First Aid

Seizure Assessment

• Look for any injuries that need immediate attention such as cuts or broken bones.

• Do not let the individual drive after a seizure.

A seizure can strike anyone at any time. Please follow these

simple steps to maintain an individual’s safety.

References:• Epilepsy Foundation of America. Safety and Seizures: Tips for Living with Seizure

Disorders.

• Handbook of Epilepsy: Diagnosis and Management, edited by J. Edwards, University Press, 2009.

• Managing Seizure Disorders: A Handbook for Health Care Professionals, edited by N. Santilli, Lippincott-Raven Publishers, Philadelphia, 1996 by the Epilepsy Foundation of America.

• Schacter, Steven C. & Shire Pharmaceuticals. (2000). A Guide for Adults: A Normal Life With Epilepsy.