Epilepsy Awareness Month

Article posted 2011-03-25

March is epilepsy awareness month.  

So, what do you know about epilepsy

What is it

Who can develop the condition

What treatments are there

How should you look after someone who is having a seizure

The definition of epilepsy is:

A tendency to have recurrent seizures.  Seizures (sometimes known as fits or convulsions) are caused by a sudden but temporary amount of increased electrical activity in the brain. This leads to an interruption or temporary halting of the normal electrical messages in the brain. The type of resulting seizure will depend on where in the brain the activity starts and how widespread it is. It is thought there are about 40 different types of seizure

Anyone can develop epilepsy:

In the Uk it is estimated that about one in every 131 of the population may have a seizure at some time in their lives. The condition can affect anyone, regardless of social background or intellect.  Causes can be due to many things. Such as a difficult birth, head injury, stroke or infection.  But for most people the cause is unknown

Treatments:

Treatments are improving all the time. Most people will find that the right medication will lead to a significant decrease (or even stop) in the amount of seizures they experience.  These medications are call ANTI-EPILEPTIC DRUGS or AEDS.  A few people may need other treatments. Their consultants are best able to explain these.

Signs and symptoms of a generalised seizure:

  • Rarely a "warning" - a sensation that they are about to experience a seizure
  • Tonic phase - all of the muscles in the body become rigid.  The casualty may let out a cry and fall to the floor.  This typically lasts less than 30 seconds
  • Clonic phase - the limbs make sudden, violent jerky movements.  The eyes may role.  Teeth may be clinched and you may see a lot of saliva that is stained with blood.  The breathing may sound like loud snoring.  The casualty may wet or soil themselves.
  • Recovery - the body relaxes, but may not be responsive for a while.  The casualty will feel very tired and may want to sleep

Treatment:

 During the seizure 

  • Cushion the casualty's head; you can use your hands.  
  • Loosen any tight clothing around the neck to help with breathing.
  • Move any objects that might hurt the casualty
  • Ask people to move away
  • If you are concerned about the airway then try to put them on their side
  • Make a note of the time the seizure started.
  • Look for identification, if you do not know the casualty

When should you call an ambulance:

  • The seizure lasts more than 3 minuets
  • The casualty is not known to have the condition
  • The casualty's level of response has not improved after 10 minuets
  • The casualty has a second seizure
  • You are not sure, it does not feel right

When the seizure stops:

  • Check the airway and breathing and continue to monitor the casualty
  • Place in the recovery position
  • Keep the casualty warm
  • Ask people to move away.
  • Reassure the casualty and look after their dignity
  • Check levels of responsiveness- they should be improving after 10 minuets
  • Call an ambulance if you are concerned

This is a short guide to looking after someone who is having a generalised seizure.  Medic 1 would strongly advise that you attend a first aid course for more information.

Medic 1 offer a full range of courses, including epilepsy awareness