Epilepsy and Seizure Education

I WAS having a conversation the other day when someone told me they were in the presence of someone having a seizure and was unsure of what to do. I soon realised that I would be in the same predicament so I did some research and thought I would share it with you all.

Epilepsy and seizures are quite common in Guyana and an attack can happen anywhere, at any time so I think it beneficial that we all have a basic understanding of what is happening and what should be done.

Around 50 million people worldwide have epilepsy, making it one of the most common neurological diseases globally. It is a central nervous system (neurological) disorder which occurs as a result of abnormal electrical activity originating in the brain. Basically, brain cells communicate by sending signals in a systematic and organised pattern. However, in those with epilepsy, these electric signals become abnormal, giving rise to something called an ‘electrical storm’ which results in seizures.

Seizures are abnormal movements or behaviours which are due to this unusual electrical activity in the brain. They result in unusual behaviours and sensations where most lose awareness during the episode. Seizure symptoms vary widely but include falling, blank staring, jerking movements of the arms of legs, shaking of the body, issues breathing, and loss of bowel or bladder control. They are not typically able to respond to any cues around them. There are also many additional complications which can occur with seizures such as car accidents, drowning and a wide variety of bodily injuries.

Many different types of seizures fall into even more categories, which is why it is advised to seek medical attention immediately after. However, not everyone who has seizures has epilepsy. These Non-epileptic seizures (called pseudoseizures) are not due to abnormal brain activity but can be caused by psychological trauma or stress, low or high blood sugar, high fevers or alcohol and drug abuse and withdrawal.

The causes of epilepsy vary from genetic influence (runs in the family with specific genes), head trauma, brain conditions such as tumours or strokes, infectious diseases such as meningitis or AIDS and developmental disorders such as autism.
Treatment usually takes the form of medication prescribed by a health care provider. If you have experienced what you think are seizures, it is advised that you visit your nearest health care centre.

Here are the things you should do if someone around you is having a seizure. It’s frightening, yes but remember they aren’t life-threatening and stop on their own with no permanent ill effects.

Immediate medical attention is only necessary if it is the first-ever seizure if a seizure lasts longer than five minutes, if there are repeated seizures in a short space of time, if the individual has trouble breathing after or if the individual has an existing health condition such as heart disease or is pregnant.

You can ease the person on to the floor and gently put them on their side- this helps them to better breathe. Clear the area around them, especially move anything that can cause injury. You can put something soft under their head and remove anything they may be wearing such as glasses or hats. Time the length of the seizure. Stay with the person until the seizure ends and they have regained full awareness. Be calm during and after the seizure.

There really isn’t much else you can do, what’s important is what you do NOT do.

Do not hold the person down or try to stop them from moving. Do not put anything in their mouth. There was a popular myth about putting a spoon in someone’s mouth when a seizure occurs but this is quite dangerous as it can cause injury to the teeth or jaw. It is a myth that they may swallow their own tongue. Do not try to give mouth to mouth CPR and do not give them any food or water until they are fully alert again.

I hope you all will pass this important information along so that many people more will know what to do in the presence of a seizure, for the safety of the individual.

Thank you for reading and please continue to write in to caitlinvieira@gmail.com and let me know what you would like to talk about.

Suicide Helpline numbers – 223-0001, 223-0009, 623-4444 or 600-7896
Say Yes to Life and No to Drugs! Always

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :
Facebook
Twitter
WhatsApp
All our printed editions are available online
emblem3
Subscribe to the Guyana Chronicle.
Sign up to receive news and updates.
We respect your privacy.