Witnessing someone with epilepsy having a seizure can be truly frightening. But most seizures aren't an emergency. They stop on their own with no permanent ill effects.
There isn't much you can do to stop a seizure once it starts. But there are simple steps you can take to protect someone from harm during a seizure. It's worth knowing some basic first aid and when it's time to call our home GP service for seizures in Manilva.
1. Prevent choking
- Remove any clothes that is tight around the person's neck.
- The individual should be rolled onto their side in order to maintain their airway open.
- Don't put anything in the person's mouth. A common misconception is that someone will swallow their tongue. If you attempt to put anything in someone's mouth, you run the danger of hurting them or being bit yourself.
2. Protect from injury
- Remove any sharp items, such as glassware or furniture, from the person's immediate vicinity.
- Request that onlookers give the person enough space.
- Do not attempt to restrain or hold the individual down.
3. Treatment
It is possible that medication will be required.
4. Follow Up
Keep an eye on the individual until emergency assistance comes.
When to call our home GP service for seizures in Manilva
Milder seizures, such as short bouts of staring or shaking of the arms or legs, are not considered life-threatening. However, you should gently lead the individual away from any danger. They may be in a condition similar to sleepwalking, in which case traffic or stairwells are a risk. All seizure activity should be reported to a clinician as soon as possible.
If the individual is having trouble breathing or waking up after the seizure, or if the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, call our home GP service for seizures in Manilva immediately for assistance.