Page 168 - (DK) Home Doctor: Providing practical advice on home treatments

166 FIRST AID

Seizures

A seizure, also called a convulsion, usually leads to a sudden
WARNING
partial or complete loss of consciousness. During a seizure, the
person may cry out and fall, and may go rigid, with an arched Call 911 if:
back and convulsive movements. The most common cause of ● A seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes;
unconsciousness lasts longer than
seizures is epilepsy, but they may also occur after a head injury,
10 minutes; multiple seizures occur
with poisoning (such as from alcohol), or with some brain ● It is a person’s first seizure or you
disorders. In children they are often due to a high temperature; suspect head injury or poisoning
these fits are called febrile seizures (see opposite page).

PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE

Helping during a seizure regain consciousness. You can, however, protect him or
Seizures may look alarming, but most last no longer than her from injury; keep a regular check on the breathing,
a few minutes and do not cause permanent damage. pulse, and level of response during and after the seizure;
There is little you can do to help the victim to and arrange emergency help if it is needed.

If you see the victim falling, If possible, protect the victim’s head by placing
try to ease the fall by standing a cushion or soft padding underneath it. Loosen
1 behind him or her. Remove any 2 any clothing around the neck. Note the time the
potentially dangerous items, seizure started, so you can time how long it lasts.
such as hot drinks or sharp CAUTION: Never try to restrain the victim or put
instruments, and place them anything in the mouth.
out of reach. Make space
around the victim by asking
bystanders to move away.

Place a cushion
or soft padding
under the head
After the seizure, the victim may fall into a deep sleep.
If breathing, put him or her into the recovery position Call 911 if you are unsure
3 (see p.169). Monitor and record the level of response, that the victim is prone
pulse, and breathing until he or she recovers. If breathing 4 to epileptic seizures; if he
stops, get someone to call 911 and be prepared to start or she is unconscious for
CPR (see pp.170–171). more than 10 minutes;
Victim is placed in
the recovery position convulses for longer than
5 minutes; or has repeated
seizures. If none of the above
apply, stay with the victim
until he or she has recovered
completely. Note how long
the seizure lasted. Arrange
for the victim to get home
and suggest that he or she
seeks medical advice.