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What
to do if someone has a major epileptic seizure
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Many people with Epilepsy will never have a seizure like this.  But during a tonic clonic seizure the person may fall to the ground, muscles may tense up and cause some jerking movements. Although this may look frightening, the person is in no pain. Fits, seizures and convulsions all mean the same thing. Now here's what you can do to help! |
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| 1.Stay
calm...the person isn't dying or choking, and the seizure will usually
end within five minutes. Move any dangerous objects away so the person doesn't hurt him or herself. |
| 2.When the seizure has stopped, roll the person onto his or her front with the head to one side. This will keep their airway open. Don't try and put anything into their mouth . . . contrary to popular belief it is impossible to swallow your tongue. |
| 3.When the seizure is over, help the person to a place where he or she I can rest. |
| 4.If the seizure lasts more than ten minutes, or the person has another fit, call a doctor, the local hospital or an ambulance for assistance, |
What is Epilepsy?
| The brain is the
body's control centre. It organises thought, feelings and movement by
sending regular messages along nerve paths throughout the body. A seizure
occurs when nerve cells in the brain act abnormally and interrupt the
messages or send wrong messages.
If a person has repeated seizures they have epilepsy. There are many types of epilepsy and many types of seizures. |
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How a seizure affects a person
depends on where the seizure occurs within the brain. During a complex-partial seizure the person may appear to be in a trance, make odd sounds and repeat movements. This type of seizure may last a few minutes and the person may be confused for a short time after it stops. An absence seizure can be mistaken for daydreaming as this type of seizure causes the person to be 'switched-off' for brief moments that can occur many times a day. The person suddenly stops whatever they are doing and stares for a few seconds. The person quickly recovers but will not know what happened during the seizure. |
If you have Epilepsy
 What
you have is not who you are. It is not easy having a condition that places
so many do's and don'ts on you. You must get really mad at times when
hearing things like "you can't do that because you have epilepsy".
What is important is that while you have epilepsy it does not mean you can't have fun and do most things other kids can do. You just need to know that you might have to do things a little differently. Always remember you are an important person and those around you are just trying their best to help you with your condition. |
* Information courtesy of Epilepsy Association - P.O. Box 879. Epping NSW 1710. Phone: 1 300 36 61 62
For further detailed information please contact Epilepsy Association direct or visit their Website at:
http://www.epilepsy.org.au
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