Epilepsy is a neurological condition that affects the brain, causing recurrent seizures. It is one of the most common disorders of the nervous system, with approximately 1 in 200 Australians diagnosed with epilepsy. Seizures occur when the electrical activity in the brain becomes disrupted, leading to various physical symptoms. Understanding how to respond in the event of a seizure can be crucial for the person’s safety.
What is epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a chronic condition that causes repeated seizures. Seizures are sudden bursts of electrical activity in the brain that can affect a person’s movement, behaviour, and consciousness. Epilepsy is often genetic or can result from brain injury, or in some cases, the cause is unknown.
What is epilepsy?
First aid for seizures
A seizure is a temporary disturbance in brain function, which may result in unusual movements, sensations, or behaviour. The most common type of seizure is the tonic-clonic seizure, where a person may lose consciousness, fall to the ground, stiffen, and jerk uncontrollably. Other types of seizures may cause a person to lose awareness, exhibit strange movements, or experience visual or auditory disturbances.
Stay calm and stay with the person: Remain calm and avoid panicking. The seizure typically lasts only a few minutes, so your presence and reassurance can be comforting.
Protect the person from injury: Gently guide the person away from any potential hazards. Clear the area of sharp objects, furniture, or anything that might cause injury. If they are on the ground, place something soft, such as a folded jacket, under their head to protect it from impact.
Do not restrain them: Avoid trying to hold the person down or restrain their movements. This can lead to injury for both you and the person having the seizure.
Do not put anything in their mouth: Contrary to popular belief, you should never put anything in the mouth of someone having a seizure. This could cause choking or injury to their mouth or teeth.
Time the seizure: If possible, note the time when the seizure starts and ends. If the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes or if another seizure follows immediately, it is important to call for emergency medical assistance.
Help them recover: After the seizure, the person may feel confused, tired, or disoriented. Stay with them and provide reassurance as they regain consciousness. Once they are awake and alert, assist them to a comfortable position. Do not offer them food or drink until they are fully aware.
Seek medical attention if necessary: If it’s the person’s first seizure, or if they have injured themselves during the event, seek medical help immediately. If the seizure lasts for more than 5 minutes or multiple seizures occur in a row without the person regaining consciousness in between, call emergency services (000).
Epilepsy facts at a glance
- Around 250,000 Australians live with epilepsy. This highlights the need for greater awareness and preparedness.
- Seek medical help if the seizure lasts more than five minutes or if it is the person’s first seizure.
- Seizures can manifest as convulsions, loss of consciousness, or unusual behaviour.
- In the event of a seizure, stay calm, protect the person from injury, and time the seizure.
- Do not restrain the person having a seizure or put anything in their mouth.
- Epilepsy is a chronic neurological condition marked by recurrent seizures due to abnormal brain activity.
- Being prepared and knowledgeable can make a life-saving difference for someone experiencing a seizure.
For more information about epilepsy and first aid, visit resources from Epilepsy Australia.
“Approximately 250,000 Australians live with epilepsy and it affects people of all ages. Seizures can range from mild to severe and may occur infrequently or in clusters. ”
