Padaczka
Objawy
Napad padaczkowy to nagły epizod nieprawidłowej aktywności elektrycznej mózgu, objawiający się utratą przytomności, niekontrolowanymi ruchami mięśni, zmianami świadomości i zachowania. Typowy napad trwa zwykle poniżej 2-3 minut i przechodzi przez fazy prodromalną, aurę, iktalną oraz poiktalną, podczas której pacjent może doświadczać dezorientacji, zmęczenia i bólów głowy. W przypadku napadu trwającego ponad 5 minut lub wystąpienia kolejnych napadów bez odzyskania świadomości (status epilepticus) konieczna jest natychmiastowa interwencja medyczna. Podstawowe postępowanie obejmuje zabezpieczenie pacjenta przed urazem, ułożenie w pozycji bocznej ustalonej po ustąpieniu drgawek oraz monitorowanie czasu trwania napadu. Należy unikać przytrzymywania chorego, wkładania czegokolwiek do ust oraz podawania pokarmów i płynów do czasu pełnej rekonwalescencji świadomości.
- Padaczka: Co robić, gdy ktoś ma napad padaczkowy
- Pierwsza pomoc podczas napadu padaczkowego
- Kiedy wezwać pomoc medyczną
- Postępowanie po napadzie
- Rozpoznawanie wczesnych objawów napadu
- Edukacja i profilaktyka
- Leczenie padaczki
- Specjalne sytuacje i grupy pacjentów
- Mity i fakty na temat napadów padaczkowych
- Podsumowanie
Padaczka: Co robić, gdy ktoś ma napad padaczkowy
Napad padaczkowy to nagły epizod nieprawidłowej aktywności elektrycznej w mózgu, który może powodować zmiany w świadomości, kontroli mięśni i zachowaniu. Napady drgawkowe mogą być przerażającym doświadczeniem zarówno dla osoby, która ich doświadcza, jak i dla świadków. Wiedza na temat rozpoznawania objawów napadu oraz właściwego postępowania w takiej sytuacji może pomóc w zapewnieniu bezpieczeństwa osobie chorej.12
Rozpoznawanie napadu padaczkowego
Napady padaczkowe mogą przybierać różne formy, a ich objawy różnią się w zależności od rodzaju napadu i obszaru mózgu, który został dotknięty. Najczęstsze objawy napadu padaczkowego obejmują:12
- Utratę przytomności
- Niekontrolowane ruchy (drgawki, skurcze mięśni, szarpanie)
- Wpatrywanie się w przestrzeń
- Nagłe zmiany emocjonalne (dezorientacja, lęk, strach)
- Zaciśnięcie zębów
- Ślinienie się
- Nietypowe ruchy oczu
- Utratę kontroli nad pęcherzem lub jelitami
- Wydawanie dźwięków (chrząkanie lub chrapanie)
Objawy te są tymczasowe i zwykle trwają od kilku sekund do kilku minut. Większość napadów trwa krócej niż 2-3 minuty i ustępuje samoistnie, bez jakiegokolwiek leczenia.34
Fazy napadu padaczkowego
Napad padaczkowy zazwyczaj przebiega w kilku fazach:12
Faza prodromalna: Przed napadem niektóre osoby mogą zauważyć zmiany nastroju lub zachowania, uczucie zawrotów głowy lub problemy z koncentracją. Faza ta może wystąpić nawet na kilka dni przed napadem.12
Faza aury: Bezpośrednio przed pojawieniem się pierwszych objawów napadu, osoba może zauważyć zmiany w widzeniu, ból głowy, zawroty głowy, nudności, niepokój lub strach oraz zmiany w zmysłach (smak, dźwięk, zapach i odczucia). Aura jest już technicznie częścią napadu.12
Faza iktalna: To właściwy napad padaczkowy. Wtedy pojawiają się charakterystyczne objawy napadu. Podczas tej fazy występuje intensywna aktywność elektryczna w mózgu.12
Faza poiktalna: Bezpośrednio po zakończeniu napadu, osoba może czuć się zdezorientowana, wyczerpana, obolała, doświadczać silnych emocji i innych objawów. Może być zmęczona, chora lub niespokojna, mieć ból głowy lub pragnienie.123
Pierwsza pomoc podczas napadu padaczkowego
Jeśli jesteś świadkiem napadu padaczkowego, istnieje kilka prostych czynności, które możesz wykonać, aby pomóc osobie pozostać bezpieczną, dopóki napad nie ustąpi.12
Co robić podczas napadu
Zachowaj spokój – to pomoże również innym zachować spokój.1
Zostań z osobą aż do zakończenia napadu i odzyskania przez nią pełnej świadomości.12
Chroń osobę przed urazem:
- Jeśli osoba stoi, delikatnie pomóż jej położyć się na podłodze
- Usuń niebezpieczne przedmioty z otoczenia, które mogłyby spowodować obrażenia
- Podłóż coś miękkiego pod głowę, jeśli osoba leży na ziemi
- Poluzuj ciasne ubrania wokół szyi, takie jak kołnierzyk czy krawat, aby ułatwić oddychanie
Zmierz czas napadu – to ważna informacja dla personelu medycznego. Zanotuj, kiedy napad się rozpoczął i kiedy się zakończył.12
Po ustąpieniu drgawek, obróć osobę na bok (pozycja bezpieczna) – to pomoże utrzymać drożność dróg oddechowych i zapobiegnie zadławieniu.12
Zostań z osobą i rozmawiaj z nią uspokajająco, aż do momentu powrotu do pełnej świadomości.12
Czego NIE robić podczas napadu
Nie przytrzymuj osoby ani nie próbuj zatrzymać jej ruchów. Może to spowodować urazy u ciebie lub u tej osoby.12
Nie wkładaj niczego do ust osoby, która ma napad. Może to uszkodzić zęby lub szczękę. Wbrew powszechnej opinii, osoba nie może połknąć swojego języka.12
Nie wykonuj oddechów usta-usta podczas napadu. Ludzie zwykle zaczynają oddychać samodzielnie po ustąpieniu napadu.1
Nie podawaj wody ani jedzenia, dopóki osoba nie będzie w pełni przytomna. Może to spowodować zadławienie.12
Kiedy wezwać pomoc medyczną
Napady padaczkowe zazwyczaj nie wymagają natychmiastowej pomocy medycznej, ale należy zadzwonić pod numer alarmowy 112 lub 999, jeśli wystąpi jedna lub więcej z poniższych sytuacji:123
- Napad trwa dłużej niż 5 minut
- Jest to pierwszy napad u danej osoby
- Osoba ma trudności z oddychaniem po napadzie
- Kolejny napad następuje zaraz po pierwszym, bez odzyskania świadomości między napadami
- Osoba została poważnie ranna podczas napadu
- Napad wystąpił w wodzie
- Osoba jest w ciąży
- Osoba choruje na cukrzycę lub chorobę serca
- Osoba nie odzyskuje pełnej świadomości lub ma kilka napadów bez odzyskania świadomości
Status epilepticus – stan nagłący
Status epilepticus to stan, w którym napad trwa dłużej niż 5 minut lub występuje seria napadów bez odzyskania świadomości między nimi. Jest to stan zagrożenia życia wymagający natychmiastowej pomocy medycznej, ponieważ może spowodować uszkodzenie mózgu, a nawet śmierć.12
Jeśli u kogoś występuje napad, który trwa dłużej niż 5 minut, lub ma kolejne napady bez pełnego wybudzenia się i odzyskania czujności między nimi, należy natychmiast zadzwonić pod numer alarmowy 112 lub 999. Im szybciej osoba otrzyma leczenie w przypadku status epilepticus, tym lepsze są rokowania.1
Postępowanie po napadzie
Po ustąpieniu napadu, osoba może być w stanie zmienionym – zdezorientowana, senna lub zmęczona. Ten stan może trwać od kilku minut do nawet kilku godzin.12
Objawy po napadzie
Po napadzie padaczkowym osoba może doświadczyć różnych objawów w tzw. fazie poiktalnej:12
- Dezorientacja i splątanie
- Senność i zmęczenie
- Bóle mięśni i głowy
- Trudności z pamięcią
- Trudności ze znalezieniem słów lub mówieniem
- Nudności
- Pragnienie
- Uczucie lęku, zawstydzenia lub smutku
Jak pomóc po napadzie
- Pozostań z osobą, aż do momentu pełnego powrotu świadomości
- Wyjaśnij, co się wydarzyło, gdy osoba będzie gotowa to usłyszeć
- Zadbaj o komfort i bezpieczeństwo
- Zaoferuj wodę lub jedzenie, gdy osoba będzie w pełni przytomna
- Pomóż osobie wrócić do domu lub skontaktować się z bliskimi
Wiele osób po napadzie jest wyczerpanych i potrzebuje odpoczynku przez kilka godzin.1
Rozpoznawanie wczesnych objawów napadu
Niektóre osoby z padaczką mogą doświadczać pewnych objawów ostrzegawczych przed wystąpieniem napadu. Te wczesne znaki mogą pojawić się na minuty, godziny, a nawet dni przed właściwym napadem.12
Objawy ostrzegawcze
Najczęstsze objawy prodromalne (przed napadem) mogą obejmować:12
- Dziwne uczucie lub zmiana nastroju
- Splątanie
- Niepokój
- Drażliwość
- Ból głowy
Objawy aury (wczesnej fazy napadu) mogą obejmować:12
- Skurcze lub drżenie mięśni
- Uczucie déjà vu (wrażenie, że już przeżyło się daną sytuację)
- Silny niepokój lub strach
- Halucynacje (wzrokowe, słuchowe lub węchowe)
- Zmiany ciśnienia krwi lub tętna
- Drętwienie lub mrowienie
- Splątanie
- Nudności lub „motyle w brzuchu”
Jak postępować w przypadku objawów ostrzegawczych
Jeśli u osoby z padaczką pojawią się objawy ostrzegawcze sugerujące zbliżający się napad, należy:12
- Przejść w bezpieczne miejsce
- Usiąść lub położyć się na boku w bezpiecznym miejscu
- Poluzować ciasne ubrania wokół szyi
- Poinformować osoby w pobliżu o możliwym napadzie
- Jeśli to możliwe, poprosić kogoś, aby pozostał z osobą zagrożoną napadem
Edukacja i profilaktyka
Dla osób z padaczką, jak również dla ich rodzin i bliskich, ważna jest edukacja na temat tej choroby oraz przygotowanie się na możliwe napady.12
Plan działania w przypadku napadu
Osoby z rozpoznaną padaczką powinny:12
- Omówić z lekarzem plan działania w przypadku napadu
- Poinformować rodzinę, przyjaciół i współpracowników o swojej chorobie i nauczyć ich, jak pomagać w przypadku napadu
- Nosić przy sobie informację medyczną (np. bransoletkę medyczną) z informacją o padaczce
- Unikać czynników wyzwalających napady (np. brak snu, stres, alkohol, błyski świetlne – jeśli są istotne dla danej osoby)
- Regularnie przyjmować leki przeciwpadaczkowe zgodnie z zaleceniami lekarza
Czynniki wyzwalające napady
Czynniki, które mogą zwiększyć ryzyko wystąpienia napadu u osób z padaczką:12
- Brak snu lub nieregularny sen
- Stres i niepokój
- Spożywanie alkoholu lub odstawienie alkoholu
- Odwodnienie lub opuszczanie posiłków
- Infekcje i gorączka
- Migające światła (u osób z padaczką fotogenną)
- Głośne dźwięki
- Niektóre leki
Leczenie padaczki
Padaczka to przewlekły stan neurologiczny charakteryzujący się nawracającymi napadami. Chociaż nie ma jednego lekarstwa na padaczkę, istnieją skuteczne metody leczenia, które mogą pomóc kontrolować napady.12
Opcje leczenia
Najczęstsze podejścia do leczenia padaczki obejmują:123
- Leki przeciwpadaczkowe: Najpowszechniejsze podejście do leczenia padaczki. Istnieje ponad 40 różnych leków przeciwpadaczkowych, każdy z różnymi korzyściami i skutkami ubocznymi. Większość napadów można kontrolować za pomocą jednego leku.
- Dieta: W niektórych przypadkach, dietoterapia (np. dieta ketogeniczna) może pomóc w kontrolowaniu napadów.
- Operacja neurochirurgiczna: Rozważana, gdy napady nie odpowiadają na leczenie farmakologiczne.
- Stymulacja nerwu błędnego: Niewielkie urządzenie wszczepia się pod skórę, aby stymulować nerw błędny, co może zmniejszyć częstotliwość napadów.
Leczenie dobierane jest indywidualnie do każdego pacjenta, z uwzględnieniem typu padaczki, wieku, stylu życia i innych czynników.1
Skuteczność leczenia
Do 70% osób z padaczką może stać się wolnych od napadów przy odpowiednim stosowaniu leków przeciwpadaczkowych. Ważne jest, aby rozpocząć leczenie jak najszybciej po zdiagnozowaniu padaczki.12
Przerwanie stosowania leków przeciwpadaczkowych można rozważyć po 2 latach bez napadów, uwzględniając odpowiednie czynniki kliniczne, społeczne i osobiste. Decyzja ta powinna być zawsze konsultowana z lekarzem.1
Specjalne sytuacje i grupy pacjentów
Napady u dzieci
Napady padaczkowe są stosunkowo częste u dzieci. Około 4-5% wszystkich dzieci doświadczy napadu w jakimś momencie dzieciństwa. Około 1% dzieci jest diagnozowanych z padaczką.1
W przypadku napadu u dziecka:12
- Zachowaj spokój
- Delikatnie połóż dziecko na podłodze lub ziemi
- Usuń niebezpieczne przedmioty z otoczenia
- Umieść dziecko na boku, aby zapobiec zadławieniu
- Poluzuj wszelkie ciasne ubrania wokół głowy i szyi
- Obserwuj objawy trudności w oddychaniu, w tym sinienie twarzy
- Staraj się śledzić, jak długo trwa napad
Uzyskaj natychmiastową pomoc medyczną, jeśli:12
- Jest to pierwszy napad dziecka
- Napad trwa dłużej niż 5 minut
- Dziecko ma powtarzające się napady
- Dziecko ma trudności z oddychaniem
- Dziecko ma wysoką gorączkę
- Dziecko doznało urazu podczas napadu
- Napad wystąpił w wodzie
Napady drżawkowe gorączkowe
Napad drżawkowy gorączkowy (drgawki gorączkowe) to napad, który może wystąpić, gdy dziecko ma gorączkę. Drgawki gorączkowe najczęściej występują u dzieci w wieku od 6 miesięcy do 5 lat.12
Podczas drgawek gorączkowych ciało dziecka zwykle staje się sztywne, dziecko traci przytomność, a jego ramiona i nogi drgają. Niektóre dzieci mogą się także mimowolnie oddać mocz.1
Drgawki gorączkowe mogą być alarmujące i przerażające, ale zazwyczaj nie są szkodliwe dla dziecka. Nawet bardzo długie drgawki trwające godzinę lub dłużej prawie nigdy nie powodują trwałych szkód.1
Postępowanie w przypadku drgawek gorączkowych:12
- Umieść dziecko w pozycji bezpiecznej (na boku)
- Nie ograniczaj ruchów dziecka
- Nie wkładaj niczego do ust dziecka
- Zmierz czas trwania drgawek
- Wezwij pomoc, jeśli drgawki trwają dłużej niż 5 minut lub jeśli jest to pierwszy epizod drgawek gorączkowych u dziecka
Napady w ciąży
Kobiety w ciąży z padaczką wymagają szczególnej uwagi medycznej. Napady podczas ciąży mogą stanowić ryzyko zarówno dla matki, jak i dla rozwijającego się płodu.12
Jeśli kobieta w ciąży ma napad, należy natychmiast wezwać pomoc medyczną, niezależnie od długości trwania napadu.1
Kluczowe jest, aby kobiety z padaczką planujące ciążę skonsultowały się z lekarzem przed zajściem w ciążę w celu dostosowania leczenia i zmniejszenia potencjalnego ryzyka.1
Napady w wodzie
Napad padaczkowy w wodzie (basen, wanna, ocean) stanowi sytuację zagrażającą życiu i zawsze należy jak najszybciej wezwać pogotowie ratunkowe.12
Nawet jeśli osoba oddycha po napadzie, mogła wdychać wodę i być narażona na znaczne ryzyko. Wymaga to natychmiastowej oceny medycznej.12
Osoby z padaczką powinny zawsze pływać pod nadzorem i nigdy nie kąpać się samotnie.1
Mity i fakty na temat napadów padaczkowych
Istnieje wiele mitów i nieporozumień dotyczących napadów padaczkowych. Oto kilka faktów, które warto znać:12
- Mit: Podczas napadu można połknąć język.
Fakt: Nie jest możliwe połknięcie języka podczas napadu. Nie należy wkładać niczego do ust osoby mającej napad, gdyż może to doprowadzić do urazu. - Mit: Należy przytrzymać osobę mającą napad, aby zapobiec obrażeniom.
Fakt: Przytrzymywanie osoby podczas napadu może spowodować urazy. Najlepiej jest usunąć niebezpieczne przedmioty z otoczenia. - Mit: Wszystkie napady obejmują drgawki i utratę przytomności.
Fakt: Istnieje wiele typów napadów, a niektóre mogą objawiać się jedynie krótkimi przerwami w świadomości, wpatrywaniem się w przestrzeń lub zmianami zachowania. - Mit: Padaczka oznacza niepełnosprawność intelektualną.
Fakt: Padaczka to zaburzenie neurologiczne, które nie ma związku z inteligencją. Osoby z padaczką mają taki sam rozkład IQ jak populacja ogólna. - Mit: Osoby z padaczką nie mogą prowadzić normalnego życia.
Fakt: Przy odpowiednim leczeniu, wiele osób z padaczką prowadzi pełne, aktywne życie z dobrze kontrolowanymi napadami.
Podsumowanie
Wiedza na temat rozpoznawania objawów napadu padaczkowego i właściwego postępowania w takiej sytuacji może pomóc zapewnić bezpieczeństwo osobie chorej. Pamiętaj, aby pozostać spokojnym, chronić osobę przed urazem, obrócić ją na bok po ustąpieniu drgawek i pozostać z nią do czasu pełnego odzyskania świadomości.12
Większość napadów ustępuje samoistnie w ciągu kilku minut i nie wymaga natychmiastowej pomocy medycznej. Jednakże, jeśli napad trwa dłużej niż 5 minut, osoba ma trudności z oddychaniem lub występują inne niepokojące objawy, należy natychmiast wezwać pomoc medyczną.12
Dla osób z padaczką, regularne przyjmowanie leków, unikanie czynników wyzwalających i edukacja otoczenia na temat odpowiedniego postępowania podczas napadu są kluczowe dla bezpiecznego i aktywnego życia.12
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Materiały źródłowe
- #1 Seizure: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Typeshttps://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22789-seizure
A seizure is abnormal electrical activity in your brain. It causes changes in awareness and muscle control. The most recognizable symptoms of a seizure are a temporary loss of consciousness and uncontrollable movements (convulsions). Seizure symptoms vary based on the type and severity, but may include: Loss of consciousness. Uncontrollable movements (convulsions, muscle spasms, jerking). Staring. Other symptoms may include: Sudden emotional changes (confusion, fear, joy, anxiety). Teeth clenching. Drooling. Abnormal eye movements. Loss of bladder or bowel control. Noise making (grunting or snorting). These symptoms are temporary and only last for a few seconds to minutes. The stages or phases of a seizure include: Prodrome phase: Before a seizure, you may notice mood or behavioral changes, feel lightheaded or have trouble focusing. Aura phase: Right before the first symptoms of a seizure start, you may notice vision changes, a headache, dizziness, nausea, anxiety or fear, and changes to your senses (like taste, sound, smell and feeling). Ictal phase: This is when a seizure happens. Youll experience seizure symptoms. Postictal phase: Immediately after a seizure ends, you may feel confused, exhausted, sore, strong emotions and more. Not everyone who has a seizure experiences all phases, especially the aura. Many seizures come on suddenly and youre unaware of any early signs. Warning signs of a seizure may include: Sensory symptoms: Seeing bright lights or distortions in how objects appear, hearing unexpected sounds, sudden unexpected tastes (metallic or bitter) or smells and strange feelings on your skin (numbness or tingling). Emotional changes: Strong emotions like fear or joy, dj vu (when a new experience somehow feels familiar) or jamais vu (when a familiar experience somehow feels new). Autonomic symptoms: These affect body systems that your brain runs automatically, like sweating, making too much saliva (drooling), an upset stomach and pale skin. Not everyone experiences warning signs before a seizure. A surge of electrical activity in your brain causes a seizure. Neurons (nerve cells) communicate by sending electrical signals to different parts of your brain. When a seizure happens, the affected brain cells fire signals uncontrollably to others around them. This kind of electrical activity overloads the affected areas of your brain and causes seizure symptoms. Seizures often involve losing consciousness and passing out. When this happens, theres a risk of injuries from falling or suddenly stopping what youre doing at the time (like driving, operating machinery or climbing heights). Convulsions may cause you to smack your arms or legs on hard objects, causing cuts, bruises or broken bones. Status epilepticus happens when a seizure lasts for more than five minutes or you have more than one seizure without enough time between them to recover. Status epilepticus is a life-threatening medical emergency because it can cause brain damage or even death. Seizures can significantly impact your mental health. Its also common to have symptoms of anxiety and depression with seizures. You should go to the emergency room if you have a first-time seizure or if you have any event that makes you pass out and you dont know what caused it. If youre alone and have what you think is a first-time seizure, you should call or see a provider right away. If you had one seizure in the past, its important to watch for signs of another. If you have a second seizure, seeing a healthcare provider as soon as possible is very important. Seizures cause changes in your brain that make it easier to have more seizures, so early diagnosis and treatment are key. Seizure symptoms usually last for a few seconds to minutes, up to 15 minutes. Symptoms can last longer if you have several seizures, one after the other (this is a medical emergency).
- #1 What to do if someone has a seizure (fit)https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/what-to-do-if-someone-has-a-seizure-fit/
If you see someone having a seizure or fit, there are some simple things you can do to help. […] If you’re with someone having a seizure: only move them if they’re in danger, such as near a busy road or hot cooker. […] Cushion their head if they’re on the ground. […] Loosen any tight clothing around their neck, such as a collar or tie, to aid breathing. […] Turn them on to their side after their convulsions stop. […] Stay with them and talk to them calmly until they recover. […] Note the time the seizure starts and finishes. […] Call 999 and ask for an ambulance if: it’s the first time someone has had a seizure. […] The seizure lasts longer than is usual for them. […] The seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, if you do not know how long their seizures usually last. […] The person does not regain full consciousness, or has several seizures without regaining consciousness.
- #1 Seizure First Aid | Helping Someone With Epilepsy During a Seizure | Epilepsy Foundation New Englandhttps://epilepsynewengland.org/knowledge-center/seizure-first-aid
During a convulsive or tonic-clonic seizure, it may look like the person has stopped breathing. This happens when the chest muscles tighten during the tonic phase of a seizure. As this part of a seizure ends, the muscles will relax and breathing will resume normally. […] Time the seizure from beginning to the end of the active seizure. […] If the seizure lasts longer than the persons typical seizure, call for additional assistance. […] Do your best to remain calm, it will help others stay calm too. […] Seizures can be frightening for the person having one, as well as for others. People may feel embarrassed or confused about what happened during the seizure. Keep this in mind as the person wakes up. […] A seizure lasts 5 minutes or longer. […] One seizure occurs right after another without the person regaining consciousness or coming to between seizures. […] Breathing becomes difficult or the person appears to be choking.
- #1 First Aid for Seizures | Epilepsy | CDChttps://www.cdc.gov/epilepsy/first-aid-for-seizures/index.html
It is also important to call 911 if the person having the seizure: Has never had a seizure before. […] Don’t hold the person down or stop their movements. This could injure you or them. […] Don’t put anything in their mouth. This can hurt their teeth or jaw. […] Don’t give mouth-to-mouth breaths during the seizure. People usually start breathing again on their own after a seizure. […] Don’t offer water or food until they are fully alert. This is not necessary and could cause them to choke.
- #1 First Aid for Seizures | Epilepsy | CDChttps://www.cdc.gov/epilepsy/first-aid-for-seizures/index.html
Seizures are common, affecting 1 in 10 people. […] You can learn to recognize a seizure, keep someone safe during a seizure, and when to call 911 for help. […] There are easy steps to help someone during and after a seizure. […] Most seizures last just a few minutes. […] Time the seizure to track if it lasts more than 5 minutes. If it does, seek immediate medical attention or call 911. […] When a person has a generalized seizure, they may: Fall down if they lose muscle tone or consciousness. […] Time the seizure to track if it lasts more than 5 minutes. If it does, seek immediate medical attention or call 911. […] Seizures don’t usually require emergency medical attention. […] But you should call 911 if one or more of these things happen: The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes.
- #1 Status Epilepticus: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms & Treatmenthttps://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24729-status-epilepticus
Status epilepticus (SE) is when a person has a continuous seizure or multiple seizures without enough time to recover between them. This condition is a life-threatening medical emergency and needs immediate medical care. […] If you or someone you’re with has a seizure that lasts more than five minutes, or has back-to-back seizures without becoming fully awake and alert between them, call 911 (or your local emergency services number) immediately. […] SE lasts at least five minutes, and the longer a seizure lasts, the less likely it’ll stop on its own. That means that SE will most likely continue until the effects of this condition cause death. […] If someone you’re with has a seizure that lasts more than five minutes or has more than one seizure without recovering between them, call 911, or your local emergency services number, immediately. The faster a person receives treatment for SE, the better the odds of a good outcome. […] Status epilepticus (SE) is a life-threatening medical emergency that happens when a seizure lasts more than five minutes, or when you don’t have enough time to recover fully between seizures.
- #1 Seizures – treatments, symptoms, causes and prevention | healthdirecthttps://www.healthdirect.gov.au/seizures
Most seizures last for less than 2 or 3 minutes and will stop on their own, without any treatment. […] After a seizure has ended, there is a recovery phase (known as the 'post-ictal’ phase) before you return to your normal state. During this phase you may be confused, tired, sore or thirsty. You may feel weak, sick or anxious, be injured, have lost control of your bladder or bowel, or have a headache. […] If it is your child’s first seizure, the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes or your child does not wake up or looks sick when the seizure stops, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.
- #1 Seizure Phases | Epilepsy FoundationFacebookInstagramTwitterPhoneEmailFacebookInstagramTwitterhttps://epilepsyfoundation.org.au/understanding-epilepsy/seizures/seizure-phases/
The middle (ictal) stage of a seizure is called the ictal phase. Itâs the time from the first symptom to the end of the seizure activity. It is during this time that intense electrical activity is occurring in the brain. Some common signs of this phase include: Loss of awareness, Memory lapse, Feeling confused, Difficulty hearing, Odd smells, sounds or tastes, Difficulty speaking or saying strange words, Twitching, Loss of muscle control, Repeated movements (such as lip smacking or chewing), Body convulsions, Racing heart, Trouble breathing. […] The final post-ictal stage occurs after the active (ictal) part of the seizure. This is the recovery stage and during this phase any physical after effects of the seizure are felt. The type of seizure and the part of the brain involved will determine how long it takes for a person to return to their usual self. Some common signs of this phase include: Confusion, Lack of consciousness, Tiredness (fatigue), Exhaustion, Headache, Loss of bladder or bowel control, Fear and anxiety, Frustration, Shame or embarrassment, Thirst, Nausea, Sore muscles, Weakness in parts of the body, Injury (head, cuts, broken bones). Once the seizure is over, some people may remember having one, remember parts of it, or not remember at all.
- #1 Phases of Seizures – What happens during a Seizurehttps://www.cureepilepsy.org/understanding-epilepsy/epilepsy-basics/phases-of-seizures/
The recovery period following a seizure is called the post-ictal phase. Some people recover immediately, while others may require minutes, hours or days to feel like theyâre back at their baseline. Typical symptoms include: Arm or leg weakness, Body soreness, Confusion, Difficulty finding names or words, Drowsiness, Feelings of fear, embarrassment, or sadness, General malaise, Headaches/migraines, Hypertension, Memory loss, Nausea, Thirst. […] Seizure signs and symptoms can vary widely depending on the individual, as well as the type, severity, and stage of the seizure. Some seizures are noticeable to others, while some are not. Typically, seizures last between 30 seconds and 2 minutes. However, if a seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, seeking medical attention is crucial.
- #1 What To Do If Someone Is Having A Seizure | Henry Ford Health – Detroit, MIhttps://www.henryford.com/blog/2023/10/what-to-do-if-someone-is-having-a-seizure
Call 911 for emergency medical assistance if the person has: Difficulty breathing, A seizure lasting five minutes or longer, Repeated seizures without waking between episodes, Injuries from a seizure, Seizures occurring in water. […] People who should go to the emergency room (ER) after a seizure include: Women who are pregnant, People with diabetes or heart disease, Individuals with a high fever or heat exhaustion, People who have never had a seizure before. […] When the seizure is over, stay with the person and explain what happened. Make them comfortable and offer them food or water once they are fully awake. Many people are exhausted after a seizure and need to rest for several hours.
- #1 Warning Signs of a Seizure: What to Look For, What to Dohttps://www.healthline.com/health/warning-signs-of-a-seizure
Seizures can be a dangerous medical condition, especially if you dont know when one is coming. […] Fortunately, many people who experience seizures have warning signs that one is coming. These signs occur during the prodrome or aura phase of a seizure, which can precede the attack. […] The prodromal phase can last anywhere from 10 minutes to several days before the onset of a seizure. Common symptoms include: a funny feeling, confusion, anxiety, irritability, headache. […] Auras can be another warning sign of a seizure itself or signal the start of a seizure. […] Symptoms during an aura, or focal seizure, include: muscle twitches or jerking movements on one side of the body, a feeling of dj vu, intense anxiety or fear, hallucinations in the form of visions, sounds, or smells, changes in blood pressure or heart rates, loss of bowel or bladder control, numbness or tingling, confusion, nausea or butterflies in your stomach.
- #1 Warning Signs of a Seizure: What to Look For, What to Dohttps://www.healthline.com/health/warning-signs-of-a-seizure
If you experience warning signs of a seizure or know one is about to occur, the first priority is to make sure you are safe. […] Avoid driving, ask someone to stay with you, or make sure you are sitting or laying down. […] If youre with someone who indicates they are about to have a seizure, or has signs of an oncoming seizure that you recognize, you can help keep them safe. […] Help ease the person to the ground if they are standing. […] If you know you or someone else is about to have a seizure, that may give you time to get to a safe position. […] Be sure you are in a safe place when your seizure begins. Have a seizure action plan. […] If you or someone else experiences the following during a seizure, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing or stopped breathing, high fever, loss of consciousness that continues after the seizure has ended, traumatic injuries from seizure activity, seizures last more than 2 minutes.
- #1 What to Do During and After a Seizure | University of Utah Healthhttps://healthcare.utah.edu/healthfeed/2021/02/what-do-during-and-after-seizure
If you experience a seizure, it’s important to tell your primary care physician. […] While it’s possible to experience just one seizure the risk of having another seizure within two years of your first one is between 21% and 45%. […] There are several treatment options available to help control seizures. […] Medications successfully control symptoms in about two-thirds of people with seizures.
- #1 How to Help Someone Having a Seizure: What to Dohttps://www.webmd.com/epilepsy/epilepsy-seizure-what-to-do-in-an-emergency
Witnessing someone with epilepsy having a seizure can be truly frightening. But most seizures aren’t an emergency. They stop on their own with no permanent ill effects. […] There are simple steps you can take to protect someone from harm during a seizure. It’s worth knowing some basic first aid — and when it’s time to call 911. […] Any generalized seizure can be dangerous because the person is unaware of their surroundings and can’t protect themselves from harm. The uncontrolled thrashing movements during a generalized tonic-clonic seizure increase the chances of injury. This type is most likely to result in a trip to the emergency room. […] Seizure first aid is a matter of taking precautions. You’re most likely to need it for a generalized tonic-clonic seizure. […] Call 911 if the person has difficulty breathing or waking after the seizure or if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes. […] Talk to your health care provider about a seizure action plan and what the best response should be for the type of seizures you experience. […] Call 911 if the person has difficulty breathing or waking after the seizure or if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes.
- #1 Epilepsy – first aid and safety | Better Health Channelhttps://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/epilepsy-first-aid-and-safety
Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) is when a person with epilepsy dies suddenly and prematurely and no reason for death is found. […] Having active or poorly controlled seizures can put you at risk of injury and death. Research has shown that there are certain types of seizure that increase your risk of SUDEP. […] Steps you can take to reduce seizure-related risks, injury or death are: Get the best seizure control possible. Take your medication as prescribed. Speak to your doctor if you’re not happy with your current medication or side effects. Have regular reviews with your doctor. […] Make sure those close to you know what to do in case of a seizure.
- #1 Epilepsy and Seizures | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokehttps://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/epilepsy-and-seizures
During a seizure, many neurons send signals at the same time, much faster than normal. This surge of excessive electrical activity may cause involuntary movements, sensations, emotions, and/or behaviors. The disturbance of normal nerve cell activity may cause a loss of awareness. Some people recover immediately after a seizure, while others may take minutes to hours to feel like themselves again. During this time, they may feel tired, sleepy, weak, or confused. […] While any seizure is cause for concern, having a seizure does not by itself mean a person has epilepsy. […] Seizure triggers do not cause epilepsy but can provoke seizures in those who are susceptible. For those who are already diagnosed with epilepsy and taking medication, triggers can spark a seizure. Triggers include: Stress, Drinking alcohol, or alcohol withdrawal, Dehydration or missing meals, Exposure to toxins or poisons, including lead, carbon monoxide, illicit drugs, and very large doses of prescription medications.
- #1https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/epilepsy
Epilepsy is characterized by recurrent seizures, which are brief episodes of involuntary movement that may involve a part of the body (partial) or the entire body (generalized) and are sometimes accompanied by loss of consciousness and control of bowel or bladder function. […] Seizure episodes are a result of excessive electrical discharges in a group of brain cells. Different parts of the brain can be the site of such discharges. Seizures can vary from the briefest lapses of attention or muscle jerks to severe and prolonged convulsions. Seizures can also vary in frequency, from less than one per year to several per day. […] Characteristics of seizures vary and depend on where in the brain the disturbance first starts, and how far it spreads. Temporary symptoms occur, such as loss of awareness or consciousness, and disturbances of movement, sensation (including vision, hearing and taste), mood, or other cognitive functions.
- #1 Epilepsy and Seizures | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokehttps://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/epilepsy-and-seizures
Todd’s paralysis is a brief period of temporary paralysis that occurs in some individuals after a seizure. The paralysis usually occurs on just one side of the body. It can last from 30 minutes to 36 hours, before it goes away completely. The paralysis also may affect speech and vision. People who are having Todds paralysis after a seizure should rest as comfortably as possible until the paralysis goes away. […] Accurate diagnosis of epilepsy is crucial for finding an effective treatment. Several tests are used to determine whether a person has epilepsy and, if so, what kind of seizures the person has. Generally, epilepsy is diagnosed after a person has had two or more unprovoked seizures separated by at least 24 hours. […] Once epilepsy is diagnosed, it is important to begin treatment as soon as possible. There are many different ways to successfully control seizures. There are several treatment approaches that can be used, depending on the individual and the type of epilepsy.
- #1 Epilepsy and Seizures | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokehttps://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/epilepsy-and-seizures
The most common approach to treating epilepsy is to prescribe antiseizure medications. More than 40 different antiseizure medications are available today, all with different benefits and side effects. Most seizures can be controlled with one drug. […] Some types of epilepsy may respond to changes in diet. A high-fat, high-protein, very low carbohydrate ketogenic diet is sometimes used to treat medication-resistant epilepsies. […] Surgery is typically only considered after a person with epilepsy has unsuccessfully tried at least two medications to prevent seizures, or when doctors have found a brain lesion (an area of abnormal brain tissue) believed to be causing the seizures. […] Although many people with epilepsy lead full, active lives, there is an increased risk of death or serious disability associated with epilepsy.
- #1 Epilepsy and Seizures: Practice Essentials, Background, Pathophysiologyhttps://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1184846-overview
The clinical signs and symptoms of seizures depend on the location of the epileptic discharges in the cerebral cortex and the extent and pattern of the propagation of the epileptic discharge in the brain. A key feature of epileptic seizures is their stereotypic nature. […] The diagnosis of epileptic seizures is made by analyzing the patient’s detailed clinical history and by performing ancillary tests for confirmation. Physical examination helps in the diagnosis of specific epileptic syndromes that cause abnormal findings, such as dermatologic abnormalities (eg, patients with intractable generalized tonic-clonic seizures for years are likely to have injuries requiring stitches). […] The goal of treatment is to achieve a seizure-free status without adverse effects. Monotherapy is important, because it decreases the likelihood of adverse effects and avoids drug interactions.
- #1https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/epilepsy
Seizures can be controlled. Up to 70% of people living with epilepsy could become seizure free with appropriate use of antiseizure medicines. Discontinuing antiseizure medicine can be considered after 2 years without seizures and should take into account relevant clinical, social and personal factors. A documented etiology of the seizure and an abnormal electroencephalography (EEG) pattern are the two most consistent predictors of seizure recurrence.
- #1 Seizures in children: Signs to look for and what to do – Children’s Healthhttps://www.childrens.com/health-wellness/seizures-in-children-signs-to-look-for-and-what-to-do
Approximately 4-5% of all children will experience a seizure at some point during their childhood. About 1% of children are diagnosed with epilepsy, and 1 in 26 people develop this neurological condition during their lifetime. […] Given these statistics, it’s vital for everyone to know what steps to take if they see a person having a seizure. […] Seizures can be frightening for a parent or loved one. But when a child has a seizure, it’s important to remain calm and to focus on keeping the child safe. […] The most important thing, and the hardest, is not to panic. Seizures can be scary to watch, but many times they will stop on their own, and seizures that stop in less than five minutes are not usually dangerous to the child. […] If your child has a convulsion (a seizure where they lose consciousness with stiffening and shaking), follow these steps for seizure first aid: Stay calm and stay with your child. Turn your child on their side. Make your child as comfortable as possible, cushion the head and remove glasses. Loosen any tight clothing. Do not ever put anything in your child’s mouth. Do not try to „stop” the convulsions or restrain your child. Pay attention to the length of the seizure when the seizure started and stopped. Call 911 for any seizure lasting more than 5 minutes, or if the child is injured during the seizure.
- #1 Seizures: First Aid (for Parents) | Nemours KidsHealthhttps://kidshealth.org/en/parents/seizures-sheet.html
Seizures are episodes of movement or behavior change caused by extra electrical activity in the brain. Often, they last only a few minutes and stop on their own. Still, it can be scary to see a child having a seizure, so it helps to know what to do. […] Signs a child might be having a seizure include: staring, not responding to anyone; uncontrollable muscle spasms (shaking or twitching); loss of consciousness (passes out); uncontrolled peeing or pooping. […] If you think your child is having a seizure, try to stay calm and: Gently place your child on the floor or the ground; Remove any nearby objects; Place your child on their side to prevent choking; Loosen any clothing around the head and neck; Watch for signs of breathing problems, including bluish color in the face; Try to keep track of how long the seizure lasts.
- #1 Seizures: First Aid (for Parents) | Nemours KidsHealthhttps://kidshealth.org/en/parents/seizures-sheet.html
When the seizure is over, call your doctor. They probably will want to see your child. […] Get Emergency Medical Care or Call 911 if Your Child Has a Seizure and: it’s their first seizure; the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes or your child is having repeated seizures; has trouble breathing; has a bluish color on the lips, tongue, or face; won’t respond to you or wake up after the seizure; fell, got hurt, or hit their head before or during the seizure; seems to be sick (has a fever, headache, or stiff neck); had the seizure while in water; has any other symptoms that concern you.
- #1 Febrile seizureshttps://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/febrile_convulsions/
A febrile seizure is a fit or convulsion caused by a sudden change in your child’s body temperature, and is usually associated with a fever. […] Febrile seizures may be alarming and upsetting to witness, but they are not harmful to your child. Even very long seizures lasting an hour or more almost never cause harm. […] Signs and symptoms of febrile seizures include: your child will usually lose consciousness, their muscles may stiffen or jerk, and your child may go red or blue in the face. […] The seizure may last for several minutes. When the movements stop, your child will regain consciousness, but they will probably remain sleepy or irritated afterwards. […] There is nothing you can do to make the seizure stop. […] The most important thing is to stay calm don’t panic. […] Do not restrain your child.
- #1 Febrile seizures | NHS informhttps://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/brain-nerves-and-spinal-cord/febrile-seizures/
A febrile seizure is a fit that can happen when a child has a fever. […] During a febrile seizure, the child’s body usually becomes stiff, they lose consciousness and their arms and legs twitch. Some children may wet themselves. This is known as a tonic clonic seizure. […] If your child is having a febrile seizure, place them in the recovery position. Lay them on their side, on a soft surface, with their face turned to one side. This will stop them swallowing any vomit, keep their airway open and help prevent injury. […] Stay with your child and try to make a note of how long the seizure lasts. […] If it’s your child’s first seizure, or it lasts longer than five minutes, take them to the nearest hospital as soon as possible, or dial 999 for an ambulance. […] If your child has had febrile seizures before and the seizure lasts for less than five minutes, phone your GP or the NHS 24 111 service for advice.
- #1 Adult Seizures: What Causes Them for the First Time?https://www.health.com/mind-body/6-things-that-can-trigger-a-seizure-even-if-you-dont-have-epilepsy
About one in 10 people will experience a seizurea sudden attack of brain activity that typically lasts a few seconds or minutesin their lives. You can have a seizure without a diagnosis of epilepsy or a history of seizures. […] Seizures can usually resolve on their own, but here’s what to do while it occurs: Keep the person unrestrained. Lay the person on their side carefully in a clear area on the ground. Make sure any tight clothing is loose, and remove eyeglasses. Put a cushion under the person’s head. Remain with the person until the seizure has resolved and the person is fully awake or medical professional assistance is available. […] While symptoms like convulsions and loss of consciousness can be alarming, not every seizure may be a medical emergency. However, it’s essential to get emergency help if you or someone you see experiences: A first seizure, A second seizure shortly after the first, Difficulty breathing or regaining consciousness, Injury due to the seizure, Seizures alongside diabetes, heart disease, or during pregnancy, A seizure that lasts longer than five minutes, The seizure occurs while in the water. […] First-time seizures are very serious. You should call emergency medical services if a person experiences their first seizure.
- #1 Epilepsy First Aid | Epilepsy FoundationFacebookInstagramTwitterPhoneEmailFacebookInstagramTwitterhttps://epilepsyfoundation.org.au/understanding-epilepsy/seizure-first-aid/tonic-clonic-seizures/
Keep onlookers away, as waking up to a crowd can be embarrassing or confusing for the person. […] CALL AN AMBULANCE (000) IF: The seizure lasts more than 5 minutes or a second seizure quickly follows. […] The person remains non-responsive for more than 5 minutes after the seizure stops. […] The person is injured or has swallowed water. […] The person is pregnant. […] You think this is the personâs first seizure, or arenât sure. […] The person asks for medical assistance. […] You feel uncomfortable dealing with the situation. […] During these seizures the person may appear confused and dazed, and may do strange and repetitive actions (such as fiddling with their clothes, making chewing movements with their mouth or uttering unusual sounds). […] DO: Gently guide the person past obstacles and away from dangerous places if required.
- #1 Seizures in children: Signs to look for and what to do – Children’s Healthhttps://www.childrens.com/health-wellness/seizures-in-children-signs-to-look-for-and-what-to-do
Many seizures in children will resolve on their own, and in those cases, children often do not require emergency care. However, if your child is experiencing their first seizure, you must take them to the emergency room or to your doctor to determine why it happened. […] Call for emergency medical assistance if the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, is the child’s first seizure, causes an injury due to a fall, causes breathing difficulty, or is convulsive and changes to a staring seizure and the parent isn’t sure if the child is still having a seizure. […] The biggest risk to children who have seizures is where they occur. If a child is walking down the stairs or is in the bathroom and has a seizure, the child risks falling and hurting themselves. […] Most importantly, especially here in Texas in the summertime, if a child is in the water and has a seizure, they can fall under the water and drown.
- #1 6 Doâs and 2 Donâts If You See Someone Having a Seizure | UNC Health Talkhealth wellnessstethoscopeStorieshealth wellnessstethoscopeStoriestwitter-iconfacebook-iconpinterest-iconemail-iconhealth wellnessstethoscopeStoriesfacebooktwitteryoutubepinterestinshttps://healthtalk.unchealthcare.org/6-dos-and-2-donts-if-you-see-someone-having-a-seizure/
It may be easier for a person having a seizure to breathe if they are on their side. […] Often during a seizure, a personâs chest muscles tighten so they are unable to breathe. But as the seizure ends, the muscles will relax and the person will begin breathing normally again. […] Do not try to hold the person down or try to stop their movements, Dr. Rubinos says. Stopping a personâs movements wonât stop the seizure, but it can cause injuries to the person having the seizure and to the person trying to hold them down. […] During a seizure, a person may not be able to swallow correctly, so do not offer food, water or anything else they have to swallow until they are fully alert.
- #1 Seizure Information – Epilepsy Queenslandhttps://epilepsyqueensland.com.au/living-with-epilepsy/seizure-information/
If a seizure, or cluster of seizures without regaining consciousness in between, lasts for more than 5 minutes, call an ambulance. […] Many people may appear to stop breathing during a tonic-clonic seizure and sometimes do. […] If someone always stops breathing when they have a seizure, it is good practice to call an ambulance as soon as possible. […] The key seizure first aid steps are: Time the seizure Protect the person from injury Roll onto side if unconscious Support head if seated Redirect if confused Reassure and re-orientate Stay with the person DO NOT restrain the person DO NOT put anything in their mouth DO NOT give food or drink until they have recovered. […] Seizure is the term we use for an epileptic event. Fit is an outdated term that some people may find offensive. […] You should never restrain someone during a tonic-clonic seizure.
- #2 What To Do If Someone Is Having A Seizure | Henry Ford Health – Detroit, MIhttps://www.henryford.com/blog/2023/10/what-to-do-if-someone-is-having-a-seizure
Seizures can happen when there is abnormal electrical activity in the brain. They can affect part of the brain (focal seizures) or the entire brain (generalized seizures). Seizures come on suddenly and can cause various symptoms, including falling, muscle spasms and loss of consciousness. The most common cause of recurrent seizures is epilepsy. Symptoms of a seizure usually last from 30 seconds to 1-2 minutes. A seizure affecting a portion of the brain can cause periods of confusion and loss of awareness (absent seizures). Symptoms of more severe seizures affecting both sides of the body (tonic seizures) include: Falling to the ground, Having muscle spasms or shaking, Becoming unconscious, Losing bladder or bowel control. […] Stay calm, keep the person safe and note the duration of the seizure. Don’t restrain the person or put anything in their mouth. Watch for signs that the person needs emergency medical care, such as a seizure lasting five or more minutes.
- #2 Seizures Information | Mount Sinai – New Yorkhttps://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/symptoms/seizures
A seizure is the physical changes in behavior that occurs during an episode of specific types of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. […] During convulsions a person has uncontrollable shaking that is rapid and rhythmic, with the muscles contracting and relaxing repeatedly. […] It may be hard to tell if someone is having a seizure. Some seizures only cause a person to have staring spells. These may go unnoticed. […] Specific symptoms depend on which part of the brain is involved. Symptoms occur suddenly and may include: Brief blackout followed by a period of confusion (the person cannot remember for a short time), Changes in behavior, such as picking at one’s clothing, Drooling or frothing at the mouth, Eye movements, Grunting and snorting, Loss of bladder or bowel control, Mood changes, such as sudden anger, unexplainable fear, panic, joy, or laughter, Shaking of the entire body, Sudden falling, Tasting a bitter or metallic flavor, Teeth clenching, Temporary stop in breathing, Uncontrollable muscle spasms with twitching and jerking limbs.
- #2 Phases of Seizures – What happens during a Seizurehttps://www.cureepilepsy.org/understanding-epilepsy/epilepsy-basics/phases-of-seizures/
A seizure is an electrical disturbance that interferes with normal brain function. It occurs when abnormal electric signals from the brain change the way the body functions. The way that a seizure presents itself can vary a lot between people with epilepsy, depending upon the type of seizures they experience and their particular form of epilepsy. […] The four phases of seizure are: Prodromal, Early ictal (the aura), Ictal, Postictal. […] The prodromal phase is a subjective feeling or sensation that can occur several hours or even days before the actual seizure. […] The most common symptoms of a prodrome include confusion, anxiety, irritability, headache, tremor, and anger or other mood disturbances. […] For many people with epilepsy, the earliest sign of seizure activity is an aura.
- #2 Seizure Phases | Epilepsy FoundationFacebookInstagramTwitterPhoneEmailFacebookInstagramTwitterhttps://epilepsyfoundation.org.au/understanding-epilepsy/seizures/seizure-phases/
Seizures take on many different forms and have a beginning (prodrome and aura), middle (ictal) and end (post-ictal) stage. […] During the prodromal stage some people can tell when a seizure is on its way. They may notice some early signs hours or even days before the seizure starts. Not all people experience this stage. Some common signs can include: Mood changes, Anxiety, Feeling lightheaded, Difficulty sleeping, Difficulty staying focused, Behaviour changes. […] Auras are generally considered an early part of the seizure. Symptoms of an aura may include: Déjà vu (a sense that something has happened before when in fact it hasnât), Jamais vu (a feeling that youâre seeing something you know well for the first time), Odd smells, sounds or tastes, Dizziness, Vision difficulties, Numbness or âpins and needlesâ in parts of the body, Nausea, Headache, Panic, Feelings of intense fear.
- #2 Phases of Seizures – What happens during a Seizurehttps://www.cureepilepsy.org/understanding-epilepsy/epilepsy-basics/phases-of-seizures/
It is reported that as many as 65% of people with epilepsy experience auras. […] The ictal phase includes the time between the beginning (aura, if present) and the end of the seizure. […] This is the stage of the seizure that most people are familiar with and would identify as a seizure. This stage manifests in different ways for each person with epilepsy. A person may experience a variety of symptoms, including but not limited to: Arm or leg stiffening, Chewing or lip-smacking, Confusion, Difficulty breathing, Distractedness, Drooling, Eye or head twitching movement in one direction, Hearing loss, Inability to move or speak, Loss of bladder and/or bowel control, Memory lapses, Numbness, Pale/flushed skin, Pupil dilation, Racing heart, Sense of detachment, Strange sounds, Sweating, Tremors, Twitching, Unusual physical activity such as dressing/undressing, Vision loss, blurring, flashing vision, Walking/running.
- #2 Seizure aftercare: What to do, foods, rest, mental well-being & morehttps://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/what-to-do-after-a-seizure-to-feel-better-2
After a seizure, a person may be in an altered state of consciousness or feel dizzy or confused. […] The period immediately following a seizure is called the postictal seizure state, and it usually lasts 530 minutes. […] Some common symptoms include: memory problems, dizziness, weakness, coughing, pain from things that happened during the seizure, such as mouth pain from biting the tongue, anxiety, mania, depression, and other mental health symptoms. […] The type of seizure a person has may also influence the symptoms, which can include problems with visual or verbal memory. […] People who have cognitive impairments before the seizure may take longer to recover following a seizure. […] Many people feel fatigued or dizzy after a seizure, so lying down after a seizure might help ease symptoms.
- #2 Seizure First Aid | Helping Someone With Epilepsy During a Seizure | Epilepsy Foundation New Englandhttps://epilepsynewengland.org/knowledge-center/seizure-first-aid
The first line of response when a person has a seizure is to provide general care and comfort and to keep the person safe. For most seizures basic seizure first aid is all that may be needed, while more serious seizures may require a greater degree of care. […] Although each type of seizure can bring its own signs and symptoms, there are a few key actions every responder should take to help the person experiencing the seizure stay safe until the seizure passes or until emergency help arrives. […] Seizures can be unpredictable and its hard to tell how long they may last or what will occur during them. Some may start with minor symptoms, but lead to a loss of consciousness or fall. Other seizures may be brief and end in seconds. […] Injury can occur during or after a seizure, requiring additional medical assistance. If you are concerned about an injury having taken place call 911 immediately.
- #2 Seizure First Aid | Helping Someone With Epilepsy During a Seizure | Epilepsy Foundation New Englandhttps://epilepsynewengland.org/knowledge-center/seizure-first-aid
During a convulsive or tonic-clonic seizure, it may look like the person has stopped breathing. This happens when the chest muscles tighten during the tonic phase of a seizure. As this part of a seizure ends, the muscles will relax and breathing will resume normally. […] Time the seizure from beginning to the end of the active seizure. […] If the seizure lasts longer than the persons typical seizure, call for additional assistance. […] Do your best to remain calm, it will help others stay calm too. […] Seizures can be frightening for the person having one, as well as for others. People may feel embarrassed or confused about what happened during the seizure. Keep this in mind as the person wakes up. […] A seizure lasts 5 minutes or longer. […] One seizure occurs right after another without the person regaining consciousness or coming to between seizures. […] Breathing becomes difficult or the person appears to be choking.
- #2 Seizures – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinichttps://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seizure/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20365730
After a seizure, your healthcare professional reviews your symptoms and medical history and does a physical exam. You may have tests to find the cause of your seizure. Tests also may show how likely it is that you’ll have another seizure. […] It’s helpful to know what to do if you see someone having a seizure. If you’re at risk of having seizures, give this information to family, friends and co-workers. Then they’ll know what to do if you have a seizure. […] To help someone during a seizure, take these steps: Carefully roll the person onto one side. Place something soft under the person’s head. Loosen tight neckwear. Don’t put your fingers or other objects in the person’s mouth. Don’t try to restrain the person. Clear away dangerous objects if the person is moving. Stay with the person until medical help arrives. Watch the person closely so that you can tell medical helpers what happened. Time the seizure. Stay calm.
- #2 First aid – Epilepsy Actionhttps://www.epilepsy.org.uk/info/first-aid
Knowing what to do when someone has a seizure can help you feel prepared and less likely to panic when you see one […] When someone is having a seizure its important to stay with them until the seizure is over and they are fully recovered […] If you think someone is in status epilepticus you must call an ambulance immediately.
- #2 6 Doâs and 2 Donâts If You See Someone Having a Seizure | UNC Health Talkhealth wellnessstethoscopeStorieshealth wellnessstethoscopeStoriestwitter-iconfacebook-iconpinterest-iconemail-iconhealth wellnessstethoscopeStoriesfacebooktwitteryoutubepinterestinshttps://healthtalk.unchealthcare.org/6-dos-and-2-donts-if-you-see-someone-having-a-seizure/
Seizures generally last only a few seconds or minutes and stop on their own, Dr. Rubinos says. If you donât know the person, check to see if they are wearing a medical bracelet or other emergency information. Most seizures are not emergencies, but call 911 if the seizure lasts five minutes or longer, itâs the personâs first seizure or the person turns blue from lack of oxygen. You may also call 911 if the person experiences two seizures back-to-back, if they get hurt during the seizure or if they have trouble breathing or walking after the seizure. If the person having a seizure has a health condition, such as diabetes, or is pregnant, calling 911 is a good idea. […] During the seizure, stay with the person and provide reassurance. […] If youâre near someone having a seizure, you may be able to take steps to keep that person safeâas long as you can do so while remaining safe yourself.
- #2 6 Doâs and 2 Donâts If You See Someone Having a Seizure | UNC Health Talkhealth wellnessstethoscopeStorieshealth wellnessstethoscopeStoriestwitter-iconfacebook-iconpinterest-iconemail-iconhealth wellnessstethoscopeStoriesfacebooktwitteryoutubepinterestinshttps://healthtalk.unchealthcare.org/6-dos-and-2-donts-if-you-see-someone-having-a-seizure/
It may be easier for a person having a seizure to breathe if they are on their side. […] Often during a seizure, a personâs chest muscles tighten so they are unable to breathe. But as the seizure ends, the muscles will relax and the person will begin breathing normally again. […] Do not try to hold the person down or try to stop their movements, Dr. Rubinos says. Stopping a personâs movements wonât stop the seizure, but it can cause injuries to the person having the seizure and to the person trying to hold them down. […] During a seizure, a person may not be able to swallow correctly, so do not offer food, water or anything else they have to swallow until they are fully alert.
- #2 What to do if someone has a seizure (fit)https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/what-to-do-if-someone-has-a-seizure-fit/
If you see someone having a seizure or fit, there are some simple things you can do to help. […] If you’re with someone having a seizure: only move them if they’re in danger, such as near a busy road or hot cooker. […] Cushion their head if they’re on the ground. […] Loosen any tight clothing around their neck, such as a collar or tie, to aid breathing. […] Turn them on to their side after their convulsions stop. […] Stay with them and talk to them calmly until they recover. […] Note the time the seizure starts and finishes. […] Call 999 and ask for an ambulance if: it’s the first time someone has had a seizure. […] The seizure lasts longer than is usual for them. […] The seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, if you do not know how long their seizures usually last. […] The person does not regain full consciousness, or has several seizures without regaining consciousness.
- #2 What To Do If Someone Is Having A Seizure | Henry Ford Health – Detroit, MIhttps://www.henryford.com/blog/2023/10/what-to-do-if-someone-is-having-a-seizure
Call 911 for emergency medical assistance if the person has: Difficulty breathing, A seizure lasting five minutes or longer, Repeated seizures without waking between episodes, Injuries from a seizure, Seizures occurring in water. […] People who should go to the emergency room (ER) after a seizure include: Women who are pregnant, People with diabetes or heart disease, Individuals with a high fever or heat exhaustion, People who have never had a seizure before. […] When the seizure is over, stay with the person and explain what happened. Make them comfortable and offer them food or water once they are fully awake. Many people are exhausted after a seizure and need to rest for several hours.
- #2 Status Epilepticus: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms & Treatmenthttps://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24729-status-epilepticus
Status epilepticus (SE) is when a person has a continuous seizure or multiple seizures without enough time to recover between them. This condition is a life-threatening medical emergency and needs immediate medical care. […] If you or someone you’re with has a seizure that lasts more than five minutes, or has back-to-back seizures without becoming fully awake and alert between them, call 911 (or your local emergency services number) immediately. […] SE lasts at least five minutes, and the longer a seizure lasts, the less likely it’ll stop on its own. That means that SE will most likely continue until the effects of this condition cause death. […] If someone you’re with has a seizure that lasts more than five minutes or has more than one seizure without recovering between them, call 911, or your local emergency services number, immediately. The faster a person receives treatment for SE, the better the odds of a good outcome. […] Status epilepticus (SE) is a life-threatening medical emergency that happens when a seizure lasts more than five minutes, or when you don’t have enough time to recover fully between seizures.
- #2 Seizures – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinichttps://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seizure/symptoms-causes/syc-20365711
Seizures can have a beginning phase, a middle phase and an end phase. These phases also are called prodrome, ictal and postictal. […] During this phase, people may be slow to respond, have trouble with memory, and have trouble talking or writing. They may feel sleepy, confused, dizzy, sad, scared, anxious or frustrated. They also may have nausea, a headache or weakness. They may feel thirsty or urinate.
- #2 What to Do During and After a Seizure | University of Utah Healthhttps://healthcare.utah.edu/healthfeed/2021/02/what-do-during-and-after-seizure
If you notice these symptoms and believe you are about to experience a seizure, try to get someplace safe where you will not get injured if you lose consciousness. […] Most of the time, a seizure does not require urgent medical attention. The best thing you can do is make sure the person is safe, comfortable, and will not get injured during the seizure by: Helping them move into a safe position on the floor or a chair, Rolling them onto their side, Loosening any clothing that is tight around their neck or could restrict breathing (buttons, ties, etc.), Removing eyeglasses, Moving them away from hard or sharp items that could cause injury, but only if you can do so safely, Staying with them until the seizure is over. […] Most seizures last between 30 seconds and two minutes and will not require any emergency medical attention. […] However, if someone is experiencing a seizure that lasts longer than two minutes, or they lose consciousness and it does not come back right after the seizure, you should call 911 right away.
- #2 Seizure: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Typeshttps://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22789-seizure
A seizure is abnormal electrical activity in your brain. It causes changes in awareness and muscle control. The most recognizable symptoms of a seizure are a temporary loss of consciousness and uncontrollable movements (convulsions). Seizure symptoms vary based on the type and severity, but may include: Loss of consciousness. Uncontrollable movements (convulsions, muscle spasms, jerking). Staring. Other symptoms may include: Sudden emotional changes (confusion, fear, joy, anxiety). Teeth clenching. Drooling. Abnormal eye movements. Loss of bladder or bowel control. Noise making (grunting or snorting). These symptoms are temporary and only last for a few seconds to minutes. The stages or phases of a seizure include: Prodrome phase: Before a seizure, you may notice mood or behavioral changes, feel lightheaded or have trouble focusing. Aura phase: Right before the first symptoms of a seizure start, you may notice vision changes, a headache, dizziness, nausea, anxiety or fear, and changes to your senses (like taste, sound, smell and feeling). Ictal phase: This is when a seizure happens. Youll experience seizure symptoms. Postictal phase: Immediately after a seizure ends, you may feel confused, exhausted, sore, strong emotions and more. Not everyone who has a seizure experiences all phases, especially the aura. Many seizures come on suddenly and youre unaware of any early signs. Warning signs of a seizure may include: Sensory symptoms: Seeing bright lights or distortions in how objects appear, hearing unexpected sounds, sudden unexpected tastes (metallic or bitter) or smells and strange feelings on your skin (numbness or tingling). Emotional changes: Strong emotions like fear or joy, dj vu (when a new experience somehow feels familiar) or jamais vu (when a familiar experience somehow feels new). Autonomic symptoms: These affect body systems that your brain runs automatically, like sweating, making too much saliva (drooling), an upset stomach and pale skin. Not everyone experiences warning signs before a seizure. A surge of electrical activity in your brain causes a seizure. Neurons (nerve cells) communicate by sending electrical signals to different parts of your brain. When a seizure happens, the affected brain cells fire signals uncontrollably to others around them. This kind of electrical activity overloads the affected areas of your brain and causes seizure symptoms. Seizures often involve losing consciousness and passing out. When this happens, theres a risk of injuries from falling or suddenly stopping what youre doing at the time (like driving, operating machinery or climbing heights). Convulsions may cause you to smack your arms or legs on hard objects, causing cuts, bruises or broken bones. Status epilepticus happens when a seizure lasts for more than five minutes or you have more than one seizure without enough time between them to recover. Status epilepticus is a life-threatening medical emergency because it can cause brain damage or even death. Seizures can significantly impact your mental health. Its also common to have symptoms of anxiety and depression with seizures. You should go to the emergency room if you have a first-time seizure or if you have any event that makes you pass out and you dont know what caused it. If youre alone and have what you think is a first-time seizure, you should call or see a provider right away. If you had one seizure in the past, its important to watch for signs of another. If you have a second seizure, seeing a healthcare provider as soon as possible is very important. Seizures cause changes in your brain that make it easier to have more seizures, so early diagnosis and treatment are key. Seizure symptoms usually last for a few seconds to minutes, up to 15 minutes. Symptoms can last longer if you have several seizures, one after the other (this is a medical emergency).
- #2 Convulsions: Types, Symptoms, Seizure vs. Convulsionshttps://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-a-convulsion-4144876
A convulsion is a medical event in which nerve cell activity in the brain is disrupted, causing muscles to involuntarily contract and spasm. This results in sudden, violent, and irregular movements of the body. A convulsion is not the same thing as a seizure, but it can be a symptom of different types of seizures. […] Convulsions are a major symptom of some types of seizures. Neurotoxic substances, including those produced in response to disease and certain drugs, also can cause convulsions. […] It usually is obvious when someone is experiencing a convulsion. An episode may involve the whole body or be limited to a certain part, such as an arm or a leg. It may be brief, lasting for only a few seconds, or continue for a long period of time, increasing the risk injury. […] Among the possible features of a convulsion are: Involuntary spasms or jerking, Sudden shaking of the entire body, Whole-body rigidity, A clenched jaw, Confusion, Drooling, Loss of bowel or bladder control, Gagging or gaps in breathing, Near or total loss of consciousness or a brief blackout.
- #2 How to Help Someone Who’s Having a Seizurehttps://www.unitypoint.org/news-and-articles/how-to-help-someone-whos-having-a-seizure
An aura is a feeling, experience or body movement that doesnât feel normal. It can include things like visual changes, feelings of déjà vu or impending doom, hearing noises that arenât there, unpleasant taste or smells and/or strong emotions without a clear cause. […] A seizure may or may not be associated with an altered state of consciousness. The most common type of seizure people think of is a generalized tonic-clonic or grand mal seizure. […] A grand mal seizure is typically associated with the following symptoms: Interrupted consciousness, Jerking body movements, General shaking, Falling, Screaming or crying out, Becoming unaware of your surroundings. […] While it might feel like an eternity, a typical seizure lasts less than two minutes. However, if a seizure lasts longer than five minutes to call 911 right away.
- #2 What to Do During and After a Seizure | University of Utah Healthhttps://healthcare.utah.edu/healthfeed/2021/02/what-do-during-and-after-seizure
A seizure is a medical condition that causes abnormal activity and/or body movements after a sudden and uncontrolled disturbance in your brain. […] It’s important to recognize the signs of a seizure and understand what to do if you or someone around you is experiencing one. […] The exact signs and symptoms of a seizure can vary from one person to another. […] The most common symptoms prior to seizure include: A sound or tone that is the same each time, Changes in your hearing that might feel like you’re under water, Distortions in your surroundings, such as feeling very small or very large compared to the things and people around you, Feeling of butterflies or other sensation in your stomach, Dj vu, where things seem very familiar like you’ve been there before, Jamais vu (the opposite of dj vu), where things seem foreign or unfamiliar, even if you know you have been there before.
- #2 Oncoming seizures: What to dohttps://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/what-to-do-if-you-feel-a-seizure-coming-on
Moving to a safe space, avoiding any hazards, and notifying people nearby before a seizure starts may help keep someone safe during a seizure. […] If people are about to have a seizure, they may experience some warning signs. […] These symptoms may occur in the beginning phase of a seizure, known as the prodrome and aura stages. […] People may experience warning signs of seizure hours or possibly days before a seizure occurs. […] Not all people who have a seizure will experience these initial stages, though, and in some cases, people may have no warning signs that a seizure is about to occur. […] If people feel they are about to have a seizure, they can take certain steps to protect themselves. […] If a person is awake and alert before the seizure starts, it may be safe to take lorazepam or diazepam orally if a doctor has prescribed it as a recommended plan of action.
- #2 Oncoming seizures: What to dohttps://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/what-to-do-if-you-feel-a-seizure-coming-on
If people feel a seizure coming on, they can tell someone and, if possible, try to make sure someone remains with them. […] If people feel a seizure coming on, they can ease themselves to the floor, so they are sitting or lying down on their side in a safe place. […] People should loosen any tight clothing around the neck, such as a buttoned collar or tie. […] It is a good idea for someone to keep any emergency medical information with them. […] Some people may have warning signs before a seizure occurs, which may include unusual changes in mood and sensations. […] If people recognize these warning signs, they may be able to move into a safe place, take any precautions, and let people around them know. […] To help stay safe with seizures, people can create a seizure action plan with a doctor, inform trusted family members and friends about seizure first aid, and carry medical information on them at all times.
- #2 Epilepsy and Seizures | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokehttps://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/epilepsy-and-seizures
During a seizure, many neurons send signals at the same time, much faster than normal. This surge of excessive electrical activity may cause involuntary movements, sensations, emotions, and/or behaviors. The disturbance of normal nerve cell activity may cause a loss of awareness. Some people recover immediately after a seizure, while others may take minutes to hours to feel like themselves again. During this time, they may feel tired, sleepy, weak, or confused. […] While any seizure is cause for concern, having a seizure does not by itself mean a person has epilepsy. […] Seizure triggers do not cause epilepsy but can provoke seizures in those who are susceptible. For those who are already diagnosed with epilepsy and taking medication, triggers can spark a seizure. Triggers include: Stress, Drinking alcohol, or alcohol withdrawal, Dehydration or missing meals, Exposure to toxins or poisons, including lead, carbon monoxide, illicit drugs, and very large doses of prescription medications.
- #2http://www.nni.com.sg/news/patient-care/what-to-do-when-someone-is-having-a-seizure
Muscles stiffen during a seizure, causing jerking body movements. […] A seizure, or fit, happens when there is a sudden, uncontrolled burst of electrical activity in the brain. This causes temporary changes to body movements, sensations, thoughts, and emotions. […] The most common and recognisable are tonic-clonic seizures, where the person may suddenly lose consciousness before the body starts jerking and shaking rapidly. The person is not aware of what is happening or able to control the seizure. Once it ends, they may feel extremely tired and experience muscle aches for several days. […] Among some people with epilepsy, the risk of a seizure recurring can increase with certain external factors, such as lack of sleep, stress, infections, flashing lights, loud noises, and alcohol consumption. […] Call an ambulance if the seizure lasts longer than five minutes and you are unsure how long seizures usually last for that person. […] Stay with the person for at least 15-20 minutes after the seizure to ensure his/her breathing has normalised and he/she has regained consciousness.
- #2 Epilepsy and Seizures | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokehttps://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/epilepsy-and-seizures
Todd’s paralysis is a brief period of temporary paralysis that occurs in some individuals after a seizure. The paralysis usually occurs on just one side of the body. It can last from 30 minutes to 36 hours, before it goes away completely. The paralysis also may affect speech and vision. People who are having Todds paralysis after a seizure should rest as comfortably as possible until the paralysis goes away. […] Accurate diagnosis of epilepsy is crucial for finding an effective treatment. Several tests are used to determine whether a person has epilepsy and, if so, what kind of seizures the person has. Generally, epilepsy is diagnosed after a person has had two or more unprovoked seizures separated by at least 24 hours. […] Once epilepsy is diagnosed, it is important to begin treatment as soon as possible. There are many different ways to successfully control seizures. There are several treatment approaches that can be used, depending on the individual and the type of epilepsy.
- #2 Epilepsy and Seizures | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokehttps://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/epilepsy-and-seizures
The most common approach to treating epilepsy is to prescribe antiseizure medications. More than 40 different antiseizure medications are available today, all with different benefits and side effects. Most seizures can be controlled with one drug. […] Some types of epilepsy may respond to changes in diet. A high-fat, high-protein, very low carbohydrate ketogenic diet is sometimes used to treat medication-resistant epilepsies. […] Surgery is typically only considered after a person with epilepsy has unsuccessfully tried at least two medications to prevent seizures, or when doctors have found a brain lesion (an area of abnormal brain tissue) believed to be causing the seizures. […] Although many people with epilepsy lead full, active lives, there is an increased risk of death or serious disability associated with epilepsy.
- #2https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/epilepsy
Seizures can be controlled. Up to 70% of people living with epilepsy could become seizure free with appropriate use of antiseizure medicines. Discontinuing antiseizure medicine can be considered after 2 years without seizures and should take into account relevant clinical, social and personal factors. A documented etiology of the seizure and an abnormal electroencephalography (EEG) pattern are the two most consistent predictors of seizure recurrence.
- #2 What to Do During and After a Seizure | University of Utah Healthhttps://healthcare.utah.edu/healthfeed/2021/02/what-do-during-and-after-seizure
If you experience a seizure, it’s important to tell your primary care physician. […] While it’s possible to experience just one seizure the risk of having another seizure within two years of your first one is between 21% and 45%. […] There are several treatment options available to help control seizures. […] Medications successfully control symptoms in about two-thirds of people with seizures.
- #2 Seizures in children: Signs to look for and what to do – Children’s Healthhttps://www.childrens.com/health-wellness/seizures-in-children-signs-to-look-for-and-what-to-do
Approximately 4-5% of all children will experience a seizure at some point during their childhood. About 1% of children are diagnosed with epilepsy, and 1 in 26 people develop this neurological condition during their lifetime. […] Given these statistics, it’s vital for everyone to know what steps to take if they see a person having a seizure. […] Seizures can be frightening for a parent or loved one. But when a child has a seizure, it’s important to remain calm and to focus on keeping the child safe. […] The most important thing, and the hardest, is not to panic. Seizures can be scary to watch, but many times they will stop on their own, and seizures that stop in less than five minutes are not usually dangerous to the child. […] If your child has a convulsion (a seizure where they lose consciousness with stiffening and shaking), follow these steps for seizure first aid: Stay calm and stay with your child. Turn your child on their side. Make your child as comfortable as possible, cushion the head and remove glasses. Loosen any tight clothing. Do not ever put anything in your child’s mouth. Do not try to „stop” the convulsions or restrain your child. Pay attention to the length of the seizure when the seizure started and stopped. Call 911 for any seizure lasting more than 5 minutes, or if the child is injured during the seizure.
- #2 Seizures in children: Signs to look for and what to do – Children’s Healthhttps://www.childrens.com/health-wellness/seizures-in-children-signs-to-look-for-and-what-to-do
Many seizures in children will resolve on their own, and in those cases, children often do not require emergency care. However, if your child is experiencing their first seizure, you must take them to the emergency room or to your doctor to determine why it happened. […] Call for emergency medical assistance if the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, is the child’s first seizure, causes an injury due to a fall, causes breathing difficulty, or is convulsive and changes to a staring seizure and the parent isn’t sure if the child is still having a seizure. […] The biggest risk to children who have seizures is where they occur. If a child is walking down the stairs or is in the bathroom and has a seizure, the child risks falling and hurting themselves. […] Most importantly, especially here in Texas in the summertime, if a child is in the water and has a seizure, they can fall under the water and drown.
- #2 Febrile seizures | NHS informhttps://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/brain-nerves-and-spinal-cord/febrile-seizures/
A febrile seizure is a fit that can happen when a child has a fever. […] During a febrile seizure, the child’s body usually becomes stiff, they lose consciousness and their arms and legs twitch. Some children may wet themselves. This is known as a tonic clonic seizure. […] If your child is having a febrile seizure, place them in the recovery position. Lay them on their side, on a soft surface, with their face turned to one side. This will stop them swallowing any vomit, keep their airway open and help prevent injury. […] Stay with your child and try to make a note of how long the seizure lasts. […] If it’s your child’s first seizure, or it lasts longer than five minutes, take them to the nearest hospital as soon as possible, or dial 999 for an ambulance. […] If your child has had febrile seizures before and the seizure lasts for less than five minutes, phone your GP or the NHS 24 111 service for advice.
- #2 Febrile seizureshttps://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/febrile_convulsions/
A febrile seizure is a fit or convulsion caused by a sudden change in your child’s body temperature, and is usually associated with a fever. […] Febrile seizures may be alarming and upsetting to witness, but they are not harmful to your child. Even very long seizures lasting an hour or more almost never cause harm. […] Signs and symptoms of febrile seizures include: your child will usually lose consciousness, their muscles may stiffen or jerk, and your child may go red or blue in the face. […] The seizure may last for several minutes. When the movements stop, your child will regain consciousness, but they will probably remain sleepy or irritated afterwards. […] There is nothing you can do to make the seizure stop. […] The most important thing is to stay calm don’t panic. […] Do not restrain your child.
- #2 Febrile seizures | NHS informhttps://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/brain-nerves-and-spinal-cord/febrile-seizures/
If your child is having a febrile seizure, place them in the recovery position. […] Stay with your child while they’re having a seizure, and make a note of when the seizure started to keep track of how long it lasts. […] If the seizure lasts for less than five minutes, phone your GP or call the NHS 24 111 service. […] If it’s your child’s first seizure, or if it lasts longer than five minutes, take your child to the nearest hospital as soon as possible. […] Don’t put anything, including medication, in your child’s mouth while they’re having a seizure.
- #2 Epilepsy First Aid | Epilepsy FoundationFacebookInstagramTwitterPhoneEmailFacebookInstagramTwitterhttps://epilepsyfoundation.org.au/understanding-epilepsy/seizure-first-aid/tonic-clonic-seizures/
Keep onlookers away, as waking up to a crowd can be embarrassing or confusing for the person. […] CALL AN AMBULANCE (000) IF: The seizure lasts more than 5 minutes or a second seizure quickly follows. […] The person remains non-responsive for more than 5 minutes after the seizure stops. […] The person is injured or has swallowed water. […] The person is pregnant. […] You think this is the personâs first seizure, or arenât sure. […] The person asks for medical assistance. […] You feel uncomfortable dealing with the situation. […] During these seizures the person may appear confused and dazed, and may do strange and repetitive actions (such as fiddling with their clothes, making chewing movements with their mouth or uttering unusual sounds). […] DO: Gently guide the person past obstacles and away from dangerous places if required.
- #2 What to Do When Someone Has a Seizure: Epileptic Seizure First Aidhttps://www.webmd.com/epilepsy/first-aid-seizures
What to do when someone is having a seizure: STAY with the person and start timing the seizure from beginning to end. Check for a medical alert bracelet, and remain calm. Keep the person SAFE by moving them away from dangerous objects or situations (such as traffic if they’re still conscious). Turn them on their SIDE with their mouth pointing toward the ground if they’re not awake and unaware. Make them comfortable; lay them down on the floor if necessary. […] When someone has a seizure, you usually don’t have to call for emergency help. But you should call 911 if: The seizure lasts longer than five minutes. Another seizure begins soon after the first. The person doesn’t „wake up” after the movements have stopped. The person gets injured during the seizure. The seizure happens in water. The person who has the seizure is pregnant. It’s the first time the person has had a seizure. […] If it’s the first time you’ve ever had a seizure or if you pass out during a seizure, call 911 when you’re able and see a doctor right away.
- #2 Convulsions: Types, Symptoms, Seizure vs. Convulsionshttps://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-a-convulsion-4144876
The words convulsion and seizure often are used interchangeably, but physiologically they are different events. A seizure occurs due to an electrical disturbance in the brain, while a convulsion describes the involuntary action of jerking and contraction. […] Most seizures are not emergencies. If you witness a seizure, first make sure the person is not in harm’s way. If there are sharp or hard objects around, for example, remove them. Keep other people from crowding around. […] You can help support the person having a seizure by remaining calm and staying with them until they regain consciousness. […] Do not place anything in the mouth of a person having a seizure or try to hold them down. Instead, turn them gently on one side to keep the airways clear and avoid suffocation if there is vomiting.
- #2 Seizure – Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seizure
Most seizures last less than two minutes and are followed by a recovery phase known as the postictal state, which may include confusion, fatigue, or other neurologic symptoms. Seizures lasting more than five minutes, or occurring in rapid succession without recovery, are classified as status epilepticus, a medical emergency that can result in long-term brain injury or death. […] Basic first aid during a tonic-clonic seizure focuses on ensuring the person’s safety and preventing injury: Protect the person: Gently guide them to the ground if they are standing, and remove sharp or dangerous objects nearby. Do not restrain movements: Allow the seizure to occur without attempting to hold the person down. Do not place objects in the mouth: This can cause choking or injury. Turn onto the side: Once convulsions stop, or if vomiting occurs, gently roll the person onto their side into the recovery position to maintain an open airway and prevent aspiration. Stay calm and reassure: Stay with the person until they have regained full awareness.
- #2 Seizures – treatments, symptoms, causes and prevention | healthdirecthttps://www.healthdirect.gov.au/seizures
Most seizures last for less than 2 or 3 minutes and will stop on their own, without any treatment. […] After a seizure has ended, there is a recovery phase (known as the 'post-ictal’ phase) before you return to your normal state. During this phase you may be confused, tired, sore or thirsty. You may feel weak, sick or anxious, be injured, have lost control of your bladder or bowel, or have a headache. […] If it is your child’s first seizure, the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes or your child does not wake up or looks sick when the seizure stops, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.
- #2 Epilepsy – symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatments | healthdirecthttps://www.healthdirect.gov.au/epilepsy
After regaining consciousness, the person may: be confused, drowsy or agitated; not remember what happened; have a headache. […] Absence seizures were previously known as 'petit mal seizures’. These types of seizures usually start in childhood, but can happen in adults. […] These seizures are brief and involve staring, loss of expression, unresponsiveness and stopping activity. […] The seizure may involve unusual movements, feelings, sensations, or behaviours. […] Febrile convulsions are seizures are associated with an illness causing a fever, such as a viral infection. […] You should seek medical attention after a seizure if you are injured, if you are pregnant or have diabetes. […] A diagnosis of epilepsy is based on your history of seizures. […] Most people with epilepsy can control their condition with antiepileptic medicines and by avoiding triggers. […] You can help prevent seizures by taking your medicine as prescribed and avoiding triggers. […] Having epilepsy puts you at higher risk of injury, so you will need to take extra precautions. […] During a seizure you might fall, knock yourself or breathe in food or saliva.
- #3 Seizures – treatments, symptoms, causes and prevention | healthdirecthttps://www.healthdirect.gov.au/seizures
Most seizures last for less than 2 or 3 minutes and will stop on their own, without any treatment. […] After a seizure has ended, there is a recovery phase (known as the 'post-ictal’ phase) before you return to your normal state. During this phase you may be confused, tired, sore or thirsty. You may feel weak, sick or anxious, be injured, have lost control of your bladder or bowel, or have a headache. […] If it is your child’s first seizure, the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes or your child does not wake up or looks sick when the seizure stops, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.
- #3 Phases of Seizures – What happens during a Seizurehttps://www.cureepilepsy.org/understanding-epilepsy/epilepsy-basics/phases-of-seizures/
The recovery period following a seizure is called the post-ictal phase. Some people recover immediately, while others may require minutes, hours or days to feel like theyâre back at their baseline. Typical symptoms include: Arm or leg weakness, Body soreness, Confusion, Difficulty finding names or words, Drowsiness, Feelings of fear, embarrassment, or sadness, General malaise, Headaches/migraines, Hypertension, Memory loss, Nausea, Thirst. […] Seizure signs and symptoms can vary widely depending on the individual, as well as the type, severity, and stage of the seizure. Some seizures are noticeable to others, while some are not. Typically, seizures last between 30 seconds and 2 minutes. However, if a seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, seeking medical attention is crucial.
- #3 Seizures â Know When to Go to the ERhttps://www.emergencyphysicians.org/article/know-when-to-go/seizures
Take the following actions if someone is having a seizure: Move harmful objects out of the way, cushion the head and protect the person from falling. Loosen ties, scarves or other neckwear. Do not put anything in the persons mouth. Do not attempt to restrain the convulsions. After the convulsion ceases or if the person is vomiting, roll the person onto his or her left side to protect the airway and to help drain away any mouth secretions. Make sure the airway is clear and the person is breathing. If not, start rescue breathing and seek immediate medical attention. Observe the length of the seizure, the movements involved, direction of head and eye movements and the time it takes to return to full consciousness and alertness, so you can report this information to a medical professional. […] Call 911 or the local emergency number immediately if: The seizure lasts five minutes or longer or is repeated. Injuries have resulted from the seizure. The person experiences persistent breathing difficulty. The person having the seizure also has a fever. The person experiences persistent confusion or remains unconscious. The person is pregnant, is a diabetic, is injured or appears to have life-threatening conditions. This is the first time the person has had a seizure, or, in the case of an established epileptic, the seizure represents a marked change from the type or duration of seizure typically experienced.
- #3 What To Do If Someone Is Having A Seizure | Henry Ford Health – Detroit, MIhttps://www.henryford.com/blog/2023/10/what-to-do-if-someone-is-having-a-seizure
Call 911 for emergency medical assistance if the person has: Difficulty breathing, A seizure lasting five minutes or longer, Repeated seizures without waking between episodes, Injuries from a seizure, Seizures occurring in water. […] People who should go to the emergency room (ER) after a seizure include: Women who are pregnant, People with diabetes or heart disease, Individuals with a high fever or heat exhaustion, People who have never had a seizure before. […] When the seizure is over, stay with the person and explain what happened. Make them comfortable and offer them food or water once they are fully awake. Many people are exhausted after a seizure and need to rest for several hours.
- #3 Seizures – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinichttps://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seizure/symptoms-causes/syc-20365711
A seizure is a sudden burst of electrical activity in the brain. It can cause changes in behavior, movements, feelings and levels of consciousness. Most seizures last from 30 seconds to two minutes. A seizure that lasts longer than five minutes is a medical emergency. […] Symptoms vary based on the type of seizure. They also can range from mild to serious. Seizure symptoms may include: Short-lived confusion. A staring spell. Jerking movements of the arms and legs that can’t be stopped. Loss of consciousness or awareness. Changes in thinking or emotions. These may include fear, anxiety or a feeling of already having lived the moment, called deja vu. […] Seek medical help right away if you have a seizure or if you see someone have a seizure and any of the following happens: The seizure lasts more than five minutes. The person isn’t breathing after the seizure stops. A second seizure follows right away. The person has a high fever. The person’s body overheats, called heat exhaustion. The person is pregnant. The person has diabetes. The seizure causes an injury. The seizure happens in water.
- #3 Epilepsy and Seizures: Practice Essentials, Background, Pathophysiologyhttps://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1184846-overview
The clinical signs and symptoms of seizures depend on the location of the epileptic discharges in the cerebral cortex and the extent and pattern of the propagation of the epileptic discharge in the brain. A key feature of epileptic seizures is their stereotypic nature. […] The diagnosis of epileptic seizures is made by analyzing the patient’s detailed clinical history and by performing ancillary tests for confirmation. Physical examination helps in the diagnosis of specific epileptic syndromes that cause abnormal findings, such as dermatologic abnormalities (eg, patients with intractable generalized tonic-clonic seizures for years are likely to have injuries requiring stitches). […] The goal of treatment is to achieve a seizure-free status without adverse effects. Monotherapy is important, because it decreases the likelihood of adverse effects and avoids drug interactions.
- #4 What To Do If Someone Is Having A Seizure | Henry Ford Health – Detroit, MIhttps://www.henryford.com/blog/2023/10/what-to-do-if-someone-is-having-a-seizure
Seizures can happen when there is abnormal electrical activity in the brain. They can affect part of the brain (focal seizures) or the entire brain (generalized seizures). Seizures come on suddenly and can cause various symptoms, including falling, muscle spasms and loss of consciousness. The most common cause of recurrent seizures is epilepsy. Symptoms of a seizure usually last from 30 seconds to 1-2 minutes. A seizure affecting a portion of the brain can cause periods of confusion and loss of awareness (absent seizures). Symptoms of more severe seizures affecting both sides of the body (tonic seizures) include: Falling to the ground, Having muscle spasms or shaking, Becoming unconscious, Losing bladder or bowel control. […] Stay calm, keep the person safe and note the duration of the seizure. Don’t restrain the person or put anything in their mouth. Watch for signs that the person needs emergency medical care, such as a seizure lasting five or more minutes.
- #4 Seizures â Know When to Go to the ERhttps://www.emergencyphysicians.org/article/know-when-to-go/seizures
Take the following actions if someone is having a seizure: Move harmful objects out of the way, cushion the head and protect the person from falling. Loosen ties, scarves or other neckwear. Do not put anything in the persons mouth. Do not attempt to restrain the convulsions. After the convulsion ceases or if the person is vomiting, roll the person onto his or her left side to protect the airway and to help drain away any mouth secretions. Make sure the airway is clear and the person is breathing. If not, start rescue breathing and seek immediate medical attention. Observe the length of the seizure, the movements involved, direction of head and eye movements and the time it takes to return to full consciousness and alertness, so you can report this information to a medical professional. […] Call 911 or the local emergency number immediately if: The seizure lasts five minutes or longer or is repeated. Injuries have resulted from the seizure. The person experiences persistent breathing difficulty. The person having the seizure also has a fever. The person experiences persistent confusion or remains unconscious. The person is pregnant, is a diabetic, is injured or appears to have life-threatening conditions. This is the first time the person has had a seizure, or, in the case of an established epileptic, the seizure represents a marked change from the type or duration of seizure typically experienced.