What Should You Not Do During an Epileptic Seizure? Here are Expert Tips

An epileptic seizure can be frightening- regardless, keep calm.

There’s no emergency, not right away.

Let the seizure pass- you can assess the situation later.

The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention notes:

'1? out of 10 people may experience a seizure in their lifetime. Hence, you’re likely to witness a seizure and need to help someone.’

According to WebMD, here are the things you shouldn’t do during an epileptic seizure affecting someone near you:

1.?????? Don't put anything in the victim’s mouth- he won’t ‘swallow his tongue’ as some believe. Placing an object in their mouth could damage their teeth. And you risk getting bitten.

2.?????? Don’t leave the person alone- stay until he comes around.

3.?????? Wait to give him something to drink or eat- wait until he's fully recovered.

Medi-K, a health journal, advises:

1.?????? Don’t restrain or try to hold him down

2.?????? Don’t move him (unless there’s a danger or a hazard around there).

3.?????? Don't try to make him stop the convulsion- he can't control it.

4.?????? Don't start CPR (mouth-to-mouth rescue breathing); only do so if the seizure has stopped and the victim isn’t breathing or has no pulse.

5.?????? Don’t attract unnecessary attention- this might embarrass the victim when he wakes up.

6.?????? Don't call an ambulance immediately. You can only do so if it's a first seizure, if he’s injured, isn't breathing, or if the episode has lasted more than 5 minutes.

7.?????? Don’t assume it’s an epileptic seizure- something else could be the cause.

?Summa Health says:

·?????? Don’t try to stop his movements or hold him down

·?????? Don't offer medications, a drink, or food- wait until he's fully awake.

And the National Library of Medicine adds:

·?????? Keep the victim’s airways free- don’t open his mouth or put anything between the teeth

·?????? Don’t unduly attract public attention- it can embarrass the victim, particularly if they’ve wet themselves.

What Parents Can Do

Does your child have seizures? Don’t assume it’s an epileptic episode.

Here's what to do:

1.?????? Talk to your doctor about it.

Ask about:

2.?????? The medicines the child needs

3.?????? The trigger causes for the seizures (flashing lights, medicines, sleep deprivation, or fever).

4.?????? Precautions when bathing or swimming.

5.?????? Whether the child should wear a medical bracelet.

6.?????? Whether you need to visit a neurologist.

7.?????? Whether your teenage child can drive.

?Visit here for further help on the dos and don’ts of dealing with an epileptic seizure.

?

?