It’s always helpful to share tips and information because anyone can learn from them . Being a caregiver for someone with epilepsy can be difficult, and the past few years I’ve learned a few things from others that I would like to share.
First, lets cover the basic first aid for the two most common or “known” seizure types; grand mal (tonic clonic) and absence seizures, but there are MANY other types of seizures.
First Aid for Grand mal
Grand mal seizures are the type of seizures everyone usually thinks of when you hear the word seizure. Falling to the floor, lost of consciousness, stiff arms, shaking , jerking, drooling.
- Stay with the person and stay calm and talk reassuringly
- Time the seizure
- Ease the person on the floor and to the side
- Clear the area of any sharp objects
- Put something soft under their head
- Loosen clothing
- Monitor their breathing
- And call 911 if it’s the persons first seizure, having trouble breathing , last longer than 5 mintues,more than one seizure back to back, or if you feel the need to call 911 just call!
First Aid for Abscene Seizures
These seizures usually only a last a few seconds and can be confused with daydreaming . The person may stare off or rapid blinking , chewing their tongue, hand gestures, smack their lips. Usually no first aid is needed.
- Keep them safe
- The person doesn’t retain any information for these several seconds so if they seem confused or lost just be supportive and talk to them reassuringly
General Tips
- Keep a seizure log ( track seizures, patterns , triggers, warnings, and auras )
- During the seizure if the person is safe it’s always useful to try and record the seizure to show doctors and neurologists
- Don’t lock the bathroom or bedroom door incase you can’t get into the bathroom or bedroom while the child is having a seizure . That can be very scary
- Don’t ever let the child swim alone and keep a close eye while taking a tub bath
- See a neurologist regularly
- Join epilepsy support groups
- Always be supportive and positive about the child’s condition
- Educate yourself and do research on your love ones type of seizures and medications
Everyone who has epilepsy can be very different so it’s very important to learn about your love ones specific seizures, triggers and medications . It’s a lot to take in but it will be worth it . I hope these tips helped 🙂
