Picture this: you’re at an event, laughter and chatter filling the air. Suddenly, in the midst of the bustling crowd, someone collapses, their body convulsing uncontrollably. Panic sets in. What do you do? How do you help?

In this episode of our “What To Do When” series, we going to be looking at the critical steps to take when faced with a seizure.

Seizures, like bolts of lightning in the brain’s stormy sky, can strike unexpectedly, leaving confusion and concern in their wake. What exactly are seizures, and how can we navigate these moments of neurological disruption with clarity and confidence? Join us as we look into the depths of seizures, understanding their signs and symptoms, and learning the critical steps to take when someone experiences one.

What are seizures?

Seizures, also called ‘fitting’ or ‘convulsions’ are manifestations of abnormal electrical disturbances in the brain. It can manifest in various ways, from subtle moments of disconnection to full-body convulsions.

These manifestations may be motor, sensory, autonomic, or psychic. Convulsion or fitting usually refers to the motor manifestation, which describes the involuntary action of jerking and contraction. Seizures can be caused by a range of factors, including epilepsy, brain injuries, infections, brain tumors, or even genetic conditions.

Seizures may either be motor – involving involuntary muscle movements, or sensory – involving temporary loss of sensation or awareness

The most common type of motor seizures, which you are likely to encounter are:

1. Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizures:  These are the seizures most commonly associated with epilepsy. They are characterized by sudden loss of consciousness, stiffening of muscles (tonic phase), and subsequent rhythmic jerking movements (clonic phase). During this time, the person may also experience tongue biting, drooling, and incontinence. This is the type you would likely encounter.
2. Absence Seizures:  Also known as petit mal seizures, these are brief episodes where the person appears to stare blankly into space for a few seconds. They may also exhibit subtle movements like blinking or lip-smacking. Absence seizures can be mistaken for daydreaming or inattention.
3. Partial Seizures:  These seizures affect only a specific part of the brain and can result in a wide range of symptoms depending on the area affected. Symptoms may include twitching or jerking in one part of the body, altered sensations, déjà vu experiences, or even emotional changes like fear or joy.

Signs someone is having a seizure

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of a seizure is the first step toward effective intervention:

1. person suddenly falls, rigid and unconscious, to the ground
2. body convulses or shakes uncontrollably
3. altered breathing pattern
4. Frothing at the mouth, sometimes
5. Loss of bladder control, sometimes
6. blood on the lips, sometimes, if the tongue has been bitten

WHAT TO DO WHEN SOMEONE HAS A SEIZURE OR FITTING

1. Stay calm and assess the situation:  The first instinct in any crisis is to remain composed. Approach the situation calmly, ensuring your safety and that of others. Check for immediate dangers, such as sharp objects or hazardous surroundings, and create a safe space around the person having the seizure to prevent injury.
2. Time the Seizure:  While it may feel like an eternity, most seizures last for a few seconds to a couple of minutes. Note the time to track the duration, which is vital information for medical professionals.
3. Position of their left side: you would need to place the individual of their left side. This is to help keep the airway clear and prevent aspiration.
4. Support the Head, Not the Body:  Contrary to common belief, do not restrain the person or try to stop their movements. Instead, gently cushion their head and remove any nearby objects that could cause harm. Loosen tight clothing around their neck if possible and don’t put anything in their mouth.
5. Observe and Note Details:  Pay attention to the type of seizure (e.g., generalized tonic-clonic, absence seizure) and any specific symptoms. Observations like foaming at the mouth, unusual breathing patterns, or changes in skin color can aid medical professionals in diagnosis and treatment.
6. After the Seizure:  Once the seizure subsides, turn the person onto their side to maintain an open airway and allow any fluids to drain. Stay with them and provide reassurance as they regain consciousness. Avoid giving food or liquids until they are fully alert.
7. Seek Medical Help if Needed:  If it’s their first seizure, lasts longer than five minutes, or they experience multiple seizures without regaining consciousness in between, call emergency services immediately. Medical evaluation is crucial to determine the underlying cause and ensure proper care.
8. Offer Support and Understanding:  After the incident, extend empathy and support to the individual. Seizures can be emotionally and physically draining, and a caring presence can make a world of difference in their recovery process.

What not to do when someone is fitting

There are many myths surrounding seizures and what to do when someone is seizing. Here are somethings you want to avoid doing.

• Don’t put anything in their mouth: Contrary to a popular myth, you can’t swallow your tongue during a seizure. But if you put an object in their mouth, they could damage their teeth or bite you
• Don’t try to hold a person down or try to stop the person’s movements
• Don’t try to give CPR or mouth-to-mouth rescue breathing during the seizure. People normally start breathing on their own again once the seizure ends.
• Don’t offer a person food, water or medications until he is fully awake and alert. This may put them at risk of aspiration. This means that whatever is given to them may go down the wrong pipe and enter the airway.
• Also, don’t force them to drink anything as they are at risk of aspiration.

In summary, being aware and prepared for seizures is crucial. By staying informed and ready to act, we contribute to a safer environment for everyone. Let’s continue to educate ourselves and others, to ensure a better emergency response to seizures.

Written by Akinbogun Morontowumi and Akisanya Christine