If you come across someone experiencing a seizure it can be a scary experience. But recognising a seizure and knowing how to help someone can be lifesaving.
Seizures, also known as convulsions or fits, are caused by sudden, abnormal electrical activity in the brain. This disruption can lead to a range of symptoms, including changes in behavior, movement, sensation, and consciousness. Seizures can affect anyone at any age, and their severity and frequency can vary greatly.
There are many different types of seizures however you’re most likely to come across these two examples:
Focal and absence seizures
More common in children, these originate in one area of the brain. They can be simple or complex. Simple focal seizures cause changes in sensation, movement, or emotion, but do not affect consciousness. Complex focal seizures, on the other hand, can cause a loss of awareness or consciousness. The casualty might appear like they are daydreaming and they may last just a few seconds. It is not unusual for the casualty to be unaware they’ve even experienced a focal seizure.
Tonic-clonic seizures
Formerly known as grand mal seizures, these involve both sides of the brain and might cause a loss of consciousness, muscle stiffening, and jerking movements. These are what many people associated with seizures.
Seizures can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Epilepsy: A neurological condition that causes recurrent seizures.
- Brain injuries: Such as head trauma or stroke.
- Brain tumors: Both benign and malignant.
- Infections: Such as meningitis or encephalitis.
- Metabolic disorders: Such as low blood sugar or electrolyte imbalances.
- Substance abuse: Including alcohol and drugs.
- Fever: Especially in children.
If you witness someone having a seizure, here’s what you can do:
Stay calm: Panicking won’t help the situation.
Protect the person: Avoid moving the casualty but if you can, help them down to a sitting or lying position. Protect their head with a cushion, rolled up coat or simply using your hands. Move objects that could cause an injury away from the casualty.
Time the seizure: Note the start and end time to share with medical professionals.
Loosen tight clothing: This can help with breathing.
Do not put anything in their mouth: This is a common misconception that can actually cause harm.
Stay with them until they regain consciousness: Reassure them and monitor their breathing.
If it’s their first seizure, their seizure lasts more than five minutes, if they have multiple seizures, or if they don’t regain consciousness quickly, call 999 for emergency help.
The treatment for seizures depends on the underlying cause. If a specific cause can be identified, treating that condition may resolve the seizures. In cases of epilepsy, medication is often the first line of treatment. Anti-seizure medications can help control seizures in many people. In some cases, surgery or other medical procedures may be necessary.
If you or someone you know experiences seizures, it’s important to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. With proper management, most people with seizures can live full and active lives.
Photo courtesy of Epilepsy Action/British Epilepsy Association.
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