Seizures

Seizures are caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain which can happen suddenly (Nlm.nih.gov, 2013), or contain warning signs in the form or an Aura. Although unpleasant, this gives the patient time to prepare themselves for an imminent seizure (Epilepsy.com, 2010). If this happens, best practice would be to get the patient on to the floor before the seizure (during the aura) to remove any risk of further injury by falling. There are many different types of seizures with many different characteristics, however are commonly separated into muscular contractions and absence.

Seizures commonly have a burn time of between 30 seconds and 2 minutes, (Webmd.com, 2000), depending on the type of seizure. If however, the seizure lasts for a period of more than 5 minutes, or the patient has many smaller seizures without becoming concious, then this is considered a medical emergency (Nlm.nih.gov, 2013). If however the patient has no reason for the start of the seizure (no diagnosis, or this is their first seizure) this is also to be considered a medical emergency and an ambulance is to be called (www.sja.org.uk, 2012).

Here are a few simple steps into caring for those during a seizure.

Muscular

1. Make the area safe, remove any objects such as furniture.
2. Note the time the seizure has started.
3. Support the head with a towel, jacket or pillow. Do not restrain the head.
4. Allow the seizure to finish.
5. Place in the recovery position and maintain the airway.
6. Note duration of the seizure, if longer the 5 minutes, call 999 for emergency assistance.
7. Be calm and reassuring to the patient through out.

Absense

1. Guide the person from any danger and remove anything that could cause harm eg: a hot drink.
2. Be calm and reassuring with the patient.
3. Explain to them anything them may have missed.

References

Nlm.nih.gov. 2013. Seizures: MedlinePlus. [online] Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/seizures.html [Accessed: 10 Sept 2013].

Epilepsy.com. 2010. Auras | epilepsy.com. [online] Available at: https://www.epilepsy.com/epilepsy/auras [Accessed: 10 Sept 2013].

Webmd.com. 2000. Types of Seizures and Seizure Symptoms: Grand Mal Seizure, Myoclonic Seizure, and More - WebMD. [online] Available at: http://www.webmd.com/epilepsy/guide/types-of-seizures-their-symptoms [Accessed: 10 Sept 2013].

www.sja.org.uk. 2012. Seizures. [online] Available at: http://www.sja.org.uk/sja/first-aid-advice/head-injuries-and-seizures/seizures.aspx [Accessed: 10 Sept 2013].