More than 50 million people around the globe suffer from epilepsy, according to WHO. Seizure is a neurological disorder that can distress both the person, one who suffered from it and the other who witnessed it. Understanding first aid for seizures is beneficial in the situation where you find someone affected by it. You all are thinking about How to Help Someone Having A Seizure. In this article, we will let you know the immediate assistance you can give the person experiencing a seizure. It will empower you to be a helpful ally during these challenging moments.
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Understanding the Mystery of Seizures
Seizures are a type of neurological condition where the person experiences a sudden and uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain. This can lead to behavior, movements, sensations, or consciousness changes. There are various types & forms of seizures, including absence, tonic-clonic, and others. Each type of seizure affects different parts of the brain. Common seizure symptoms include loss of consciousness, sensory changes, changes in emotions, staring spells, and others. This condition caused because of various factors including head injuries, brain tumors, infections, stroke, or certain medical conditions. Now the question remains the same How to Help Someone Having A Seizure?
How to Help Someone Having A Seizure: Easy Steps to Follow
A seizure can be a traumatic experience for anyone but the right knowledge of how to deal with can be beneficial for you. Before understanding How to Help Someone Having A Seizure, first know the pre-seizure indicators and aura.
1. Pre-Seizure Indicators: Unveiling the Clues
Pre-seizure indicators are a crucial aspect of managing the condition in a better manner. Understanding these indicators offer valuable information that can support individual take important precautions and take assistance when needed. The pre-seizure indicators include subtle changes or sensations before an episode. Some people may feel unease, irritability, changes in mood, and many others. This indicator varies from person to person. People can also face some physical symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or nausea.
2. Creating a Secure Environment by Clearing the Area
Creating a safe environment when someone is experiencing a seizure is critical to prevent injuries and ensure their well-being. It is a proactive measure that can reduce the risk of accidents during seizure episodes. First, take a look around the area where the person is likely to have a seizure, such as the workplace, home, or community space. You can remove the objects that can harm the person like objects with sharp edges or heavy furniture.
Additionally, you can use pillows, blankets, or foam pads like material to create a soft-landing space for the person. Keep your pathways clear to access the area easily. Also, you can inform family members, co-workers, and friends about the importance of creating a safe environment for the person with a seizure.
3. Learn the Do’s & Don’ts During a Seizure
Wondering what to do or not to do when experiencing this situation or How to Help Someone Having A Seizure. Follow these do’s and don’ts to minimize the potential harm –
4. Do’s During a Seizure Episode
- Be calm and composed during the condition. Also, be with the person and assure them that they are not alone.
- Clear the area where a person is about to get a seizure episode. You can remove harmful objects from the area to protect the person from any major injury.
- Tell the person gently to lie down on the floor or surface if they are in the standing position so no harm happens.
- Monitor the duration of the episode; if it lasts more than 5 minutes, then immediately call for medical assistance.
- Be with the person until they fully recover and are alert.
5. Don’ts During a Seizure Episode
- Don’t panic or gather around the person. Give the person open air and space.
- Do not make sudden movements or loud noises.
- Ask the person to not move during the seizure episode.
- Do not put any object in a person’s mouth as they cannot swallow their tongues during the seizure episode.
- Do not give food or pour water until the person is fully alert or completely recover from the episode.
6. Observe the Seizure Timing
Most of the seizure episodes last less than five minutes. It is important to observe the timing of the episode. If you find that person is not recovering from the episode even after five minutes, then it is important to call for emergency medical help. Even if the person faces difficulty breathing, injures themselves, or has another seizure episode, call for medical help immediately.
7. Post Episode Care & Support
Once the person recovers from seizure episodes, support them after it. Support them to get back into a comfortable position. Once they sit in a relaxing or recovery position, help them breathe properly without discomfort. Make sure there is no crowd around the person. Be with the person until they become conscious about the things and surroundings. You can create a supportive environment for them where they feel relaxed. If possible, help them to connect with their healthcare professional or family members.
Conclusion
Hope this article is helpful if you are looking for tactics about How to Help Someone Having A Seizure. Learning the appropriate actions and following the recommended ways can provide support to the person with a seizure episode and minimize the harm. Also, It is very important to stay calm during the situation. Incomplete knowledge about the conditions like placing food or tablet during the episode or trying to hold their tongue can make the person in danger. Lastly, every seizure is unique and needs to tackle with proper management and individualized care. With these tips, you can support someone and be their hero in the tough time.