Seizures (Epilepsy)

There are many conditions that can cause a person to have a seizure such a high temperature in a baby (febrile convulsion), pregnancy, spinal injuries to name a few.

Epilepsy

This is a condition where an intense sudden burst of electrical activity occurs in the brain.  The disruption then causes a seizure.

As a first-aider, there are two types of seizure you need to be aware of:

• Tonic-Clonic Seizure: this is where the casualty becomes unconscious and their body will convulse.
• Complex-Partial Seizure: the casualty remains conscious but is unaware of their surroundings.

Both seizures could last seconds up to a few minutes which is why it’s critical that you time the seizure.

Afterwards the casualty will fall into a deep sleep to recover from the assault on their body caused by the electrical activity.

Treating a Seizure

For both types of seizure you must make the area safe to avoid further injury to the casualty:

Tonic-Clonic

• Cushion their head
• Time the seizure*
• Place into the safe airway position once the seizure has stopped.

NB: Never put anything into their mouth or try to restrict their movement.

Complex-Partial

• Guide their to a safe area and remain with them
• Explain what’s happened once they become alert

You only need to call for an ambulance if:

• It’s their first seizure
• It’s last more than 5 minutes
• They don’t regain consciousness or are injured
• You are in any doubt