by Joyce Good Henderson

Created on: February 03, 2009

What to do when someone has a seizure

During a Seizure, assist the person who is not already lying down, to the floor. Provide protection against injury, but avoid applying any restraints, which may harm the patient rather than protecting from injury. Instead, try to position the person away from furniture or objects that might cause injury.

Do not attempt to pry apart the jaws or insert anything hard between them. If one is available, place a small pillow or folded towel under the head. Loosen the person's clothing at the neck and waist and turn the person slightly to one side to maintain an open airway in case the person begins to vomit. Speak calmly to the person. Reassure and reorient the person as the seizure begins to subside. The person who has had a seizure may feel tired and want to sleep following a seizure.

Call 9-1-1 if the seizure does not stop on its own within a few minutes, if there is injury associated with the seizure, either before or during the seizure, if the person vomits and chokes.

If you are a person who has seizures:

A seizure disorder is, for the most part, controllable, with compliance with a medication regime, and maintaining a regular schedule for eating and sleeping.

Alert someone if you experience an aura, which is a sounds, smell or vision, often involving lights or colors, immediately prior to a seizure.

If you experience an aura, remove yourself from a potentially harmful situation. Lie down, turn to one side. Relax and breathe deeply. Relaxation may prevent a seizure; hyperventilating may actually increase the potential for a seizure.

Avoid circumstances that induce seizure activity, such as extreme fatigue, hunger, stress, non-compliance with medication schedules, drinking alcohol, using recreational drugs or any over-the-control medications without consulting your physician.

Wear a Medic Alert bracelet.

Become knowledgeable about medication side effects and adverse reactions, including hyperactivity, uncoordinated movement, visual and sleep disturbances, lethargy, drowsiness, slurred speech, irritability, nausea and vomiting.

People with seizure disorders can enjoy most activities of a normal life. Contact sports or those in which there is risk of head injury should be avoided. Swimming is safe when a companion is present. There is controversy about driving an automobile. Check with your state about regulations related to the length of time since the last seizure activity. Although studies have shown epileptic drivers may be no more likely to received citations or be involved in accidents than the general population, state laws are often slow to change.

Women with seizure disorders can successfully give birth and breastfeed their babies. However, pregnancy can alter the metabolism of anticonvulsant medications and requires the close supervision of the physician. Anticonvulsant medications have been found in breast milk, however, they are not generally harmful to the infant. Consult a physician if you have concerns.

Prevention of seizures may be possible in some cases through prevention of cerebral vascular disease. Lifestyle changes which prevent strokes may greatly decrease the occurrence seizures in the elderly. Factors that lower risk of a stroke include: controlling weight, avoiding smoking, preventing diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Recognition and prompt treatment of transient ischemic attacks (TIA) or mini-strokes can reduce damage and scarring that lead to seizures.

Medical science has banished the historical stigma attached to epilepsy, while medications, diet and medical intervention make it possible for most persons with seizures to live normal lives, free of seizures and complications.

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