How to Help Someone Having an Epileptic Seizure
It's scary to see someone having a seizure. Although the person is usually unconscious during a generalized seizure, there are many ways you can offer assistance. Your physical and psychological support can make a world of difference.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Challenging
Instructions
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1
Ease the person to the floor, if you see that she is about to have a seizure. She could get hurt if she falls.
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2
Insert a handkerchief between her teeth if she knows she's going to have a seizure. It will help her avoid biting her tongue.
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3
Loosen constrictive clothing (unless the seizure has come on and the person is jerking too much).
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4
Protect the head with a pillow, or any soft object, if possible. During a grand mal seizure, the head has a tendency to strike the floor repeatedly.
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5
Shoo away onlookers and close the door to provide privacy.
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6
Move furniture out of the way.
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7
Avoid trying to restrain the person having a seizure. You will never be strong enough to fight against the powerful seizing muscles, but you may get hurt.
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8
Make sure not to jam anything between the seizing person's clenched teeth. If her jaw is clenched, you could break her teeth or injure her lips.
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9
Turn her onto her side if you can, to prevent choking or aspiration of vomit that may occur during seizure.
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10
Reorient the person after she begins to regain consciousness following her seizure. Sometimes awareness is regained soon after a seizure, sometimes it can take several minutes or more.
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1
Tips & Warnings
If you have any questions or concerns, contact a physician or other health care professional. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.
