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  • first-aid-for-seizures
  1. About childhood epilepsy
  2. First aid for seizures

First aid for seizures

Normal brain function is made possible by millions of tiny electrical charges passing across nerve cells in the brain and to all parts of the body. In a seizure, this normal pattern may be interrupted by intermittent bursts of electrical energy that are much more intense than usual. These 'storms' affect the delicate systems responsible for the brain's electrical energy, and may affect a person's consciousness, awareness, movement and bodily posture for a short time. Normal brain function cannot return until the electrical bursts subside. Epilepsy is the tendency to have repeated seizures.

Seizures can be frightening to witness but they are not usually a medical emergency. In most cases once the seizure stops, their breathing returns to normal and the person should make a swift recovery. 

This information is particularly relevant for tonic clonic seizures where the person shakes or jerks.

How to help if someone has a seizure

  • Stay with the person
  • Time the seizure
  • Only move them if they are in danger
  • Cushion their head if they are on the ground
  • Do not restrain the person
  • Do not put anything in the mouth
  • Loosen anything tight around the neck
  • Roll the person his/her side as the seizure subsides
  • After the seizure, talk to the person reassuringly

If in doubt always contact the emergency services for help and guidance

When to call an ambulance

  • If it's the first time the person has had a seizure
  • If the seizure last 5 minutes or longer (status epilepticus)
  • The person doesn't regain full consciousness
  • The person has several seizures without regaining consciousness
  • The person is seriously injured during the seizure

TYPES OF EPILEPSY

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  • Preece Purple Day

    Preece Purple Day

    My daughter Faith has severe drug resistant epilepsy that we have been battling since she was born. The last 2 years has been a crazy rollercoaster. We began Faith's keto journey last March getting testing etc and we began in July. The Daisy Garland charity has been supporting us since we began.

  • I am going Purple for The Daisy Garland!

    I am going Purple for The Daisy Garland!

    The Daisy Garland charity really helped me when Megan got diagnosed with epilepsy at a very young age.

  • Team Macquire

    Team Macquire

    As you are probably aware we have been affected by epilepsy in our family. 2 of our children have been diagnosed with this awful condition and I cannot think of a better charity to raise money for and donate to their gift of safe sleep funds.

  • Isaac

    Isaac

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Donate to The Daisy Garland

Donate to The Daisy Garland

Every single penny donated goes directly to The Daisy Garland charity helping children with drug-resistant epilepsy reach their full potential in life. Read more

Donate Fundraise

Published: 9th April, 2018

Updated: 16th February, 2021

Author:

Ketogenic FAQs

Ketogenic FAQs

Parents of children with epilepsy are pleasantly surprised at the vast array of healthy food options their child can eat on the ketogenic/Low-GI Diet Read more

Published: 27th September, 2019

Updated: 18th June, 2020

Author: Karen Wyett

COVID-19

COVID-19

COVID-19 is having a big impact on all our lives, but please be assured that The Daisy Garland is here to help you. Read more

Published: 30th April, 2020

Updated: 15th January, 2021

Author: Karen Wyett

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