Want to Know What To Do If Someone Is Having A Seizure? Here’s the Facts
Seizures can be frightening for those who witness them, but they’re not usually life-threatening. In this article, you will learn the basics of what a seizure is and how to respond if someone has one.
What can cause seizures?
There are many potential causes of seizures. Some people have seizures as a result of a medical condition, such as epilepsy. Others may have a seizure due to head injury, stroke, or a tumor. Sometimes, the cause of a seizure is unknown.
Are there any warning signs?
Yes, there are definitely warning signs that someone is about to have a seizure. These can include changes in behavior, such as acting confused or agitated, or experiencing strange sensations, like a weird taste in the mouth or a tingling feeling.
What Do I Do If Someone is Having a Seizure?
If someone you know is having a seizure, it’s important to stay calm and follow these steps:
- First, check to see if the person is wearing a medical alert bracelet or necklace. If so, follow the instructions on the jewelry.
- If the person is not wearing medical ID, try to time the seizure. Seizures usually last less than five minutes.
- If the seizure lasts longer than five minutes or if the person has multiple seizures in a short amount of time, call 911.
- While you are waiting for help, gently place the person on their side to help prevent them from choking. DO NOT attempt to hold them down or put anything in their mouth.
- Make sure the area they are in is clear of chairs, tables, or objects they could hit and get hurt on. Protect their head from hitting the hard floor or concrete by placing a pillow or something soft between their head and the surface of the ground.
- Once the seizure has stopped, stay with the person and comfort them until they are fully awake and oriented. Seizures can be as exhausting as running a marathon so they will be tired and confused.
How to Prevent Seizures
Seizures are frightening and can be dangerous, but there are things you can do to help prevent them. If you have a family member or friend who is prone to seizures, here are some tips on how to prevent them:
-Make sure the person gets enough sleep. Seizures are more likely to occur if someone is sleep-deprived.
-Encourage the person to eat a healthy diet. A balanced diet can help keep blood sugar levels stable, which can help prevent seizures.
-Avoid triggers that may cause a seizure. These triggers can vary from person to person, but may include stress, bright lights, or loud noises.
-Make sure the person takes any medication prescribed by their doctor. Missing a dose of seizure medication can increase the risk of having a seizure.
By following these tips, you can help reduce the risk of seizures for your loved one or friend.
Conclusion
If you think someone is having a seizure, it’s important to stay calm and call 911. If the person is convulsing or losing consciousness, you’ll need to gently roll them onto their side so they don’t choke on their saliva or vomit. Once the seizure has passed, make sure the person rests and stays hydrated. If you have any questions about what to do in the event of a seizure, be sure to ask a medical professional. More great info on seizure first aid can be found here.
