Epilepsy

First Aid for Seizures

Generalized Tonic Clonic Seizure

In convulsive (tonic-clonic or grand mal) seizures, the individual loses consciousness and falls. The body is initially rigid (tonic phase). In the clonic phase, the arms and legs jerk or twitch rhythmically. Consciousness is regained slowly.

• Stay calm.
• Time the seizure – Usually there is no need for a trip to the hospital, unless the seizure lasts longer than five minutes (not including the postictal phase), the person has more than one seizure in a row, or if a person is injured, pregnant, or has diabetes.
• Remove objects that may cause harm - clear the area of sharp or dangerous objects.
• Do not hold the person down or restrain their movement.
• Do not put anything in the person’s mouth: it is not possible for someone to swallow their tongue.
• Turn the person on his or her side as the seizure ends to allow saliva or other fluids to drain away and keep airway clear.
• Do not offer food or drink until the person is fully alert.
• Stay with the person until they are fully alert and thinking clearly. Reassure the person when consciousness returns.

Complex Partial Seizure

For someone with disturbance of consciousness and undirected behaviour, such as mumbling or random movements including head turning or pulling at clothes:

• Speak calmly.
• Do not restrain, but gently guide the person away from danger.
• Stay with the person until he or she is fully alert.

Please note, the seizure and post seizure confusion may last as long as 20 minutes.

Absence Seizure (Petit Mal)

For momentary lapses of attention (absence or petit mal seizures) no first aid is needed; the seizures only last a few seconds. The individual may appear to be daydreaming. Because these seizures are so mild looking, they may go undiagnosed. If you suspect someone of having absence seizures, bring it to the attention of an appropriate person.