How to seize an epileptic seizure

One in a hundred people has epilepsy, but most are too ashamed or afraid to discuss it with friends or colleagues.

Epilepsy can easily be managed with the correct treatment regime but in times of increased stress seizures can still occur.

Some people have a vague idea of what to do; others have no idea at all about how to seize an epileptic seizure.

Being the most common neurological condition, according to Epilepsy South Africa, epilepsy can affect anyone of any age, though it is usually detected before the age of 20.

Epilepsy also strikes regardless of intelligence, race, gender and social background.

“Different people experience epilepsy in different ways,” says Dr Dave Anderson, a neurologist at Wits University’s Donald Gordon Medical Centre.

“A seizure is usually caused by an electrical imbalance in the brain and can seize the body in different ways.”

Whether someone is merely staring blankly into the distance, possibly with slight twitching, or is suffering the more expected full-body seizure, recognising and being able to manage a seizure, especially in the workplace, can help prevent an unnecessary scene and even protect the life of someone with epilepsy.

There are a number of ways people can assist if they find themselves in a situation where someone is having what appears to be an epileptic seizure.

What to do in the event of a seizure

Remain calm and note the time and the characteristics of the seizure;

Clear a space around the person and prevent others from crowding around;

Loosen tight clothing and neckwear and remove spectacles;

Cushion the head to prevent injury;

Put the person on to his or her left side with the top leg bent and the bottom arm slightly extended (known as the shock recovery position);

Reassure and assist the person until he/she has recovered or becomes reoriented;

Allow the person to rest or sleep, if necessary covering him or her with a blanket;

Note the time again — working out the duration of the seizure; and

Provide information on the time and duration of the seizure to the person after he/she has recovered fully, as well as the characteristics of the seizure to the best of your ability. It is important for the patient to keep a record of this type of information.

In the event of a seizure, do not:

Restrict or restrain the person’s movements;

Move the person unless he/she might hurt him/herself or is in immediate danger;

Put anything between the person’s teeth or in the person’s mouth;

Give anything to eat or drink during the seizure;

Give anti-convulsants, unless stipulated by a neurologist; and

Call a doctor or an ambulance unless the person has injured him/herself badly. Do call a doctor if the seizure lasts longer than five minutes or the person has repeated seizures without recovering between seizures.