What is the best way to respond to a seizure?
Seizures are uncontrollable electrical activities between neurons in the brain that result in abnormal muscle movement and behavioral changes. They come in different forms and depending on where in the brain they begin and how far they spread, medical experts will determine which type you are experiencing. A seizure might last anywhere from 30 seconds to two minutes. Any time a seizure lasts longer than two minutes is regarded as a medical emergency. Seizures can develop as a result of a stroke, extensive surgery, cancer, brain tumor, head injuries, electrolyte imbalance, extremely low blood sugar levels, use of certain medications, drug addiction, brain infection, or a high temperature. Epilepsy, on the other hand, is the term for repeated seizures. Continue reading to know seizure safety and first aid.
Types of seizures
Seizures typically fall into one of three. They are focal aware seizures, focal onset seizures, and focal impaired awareness seizures.
Focal aware seizure
Since it is so light and occurs in such tiny parts of the brain, most people who experience it are unaware that it is a seizure. They may begin as a single occurrence but might progress to various varieties of seizures.
Focal onset seizures
This kind of seizure, which affects only a portion of the brain, is also referred to as a partial seizure. Even when it begins in a small part of the brain, it can spread and still have an impact on larger regions.
Focal impaired awareness seizure
This type begins at one side of the brain, mostly in the temporal lobe or frontal lobe and also includes a change in their consciousness level.
Symptoms of Seizure
- Your arms or legs, in particular, experience uncontrollable, spastic movements.
- Limb or muscle stiffening.
- Being in a state of confusion.
- Loss of awareness.
- Nausea, sweating, and sudden tumbling to the ground.
- Change in emotions such as panic, fear, and anxiety.
Major difference between seizure and epilepsy
Seizures are most common and any individual can experience them once in their lifetime. It can be due to any condition such as fever, cancer, or the aftermath of a major surgery. Epilepsy is a disease that occurs when seizures become a chronic condition.
What to do if your child has a seizure
- Below listed are the steps to conduct seizure first aid for any individual regardless of their age.
- To make your child readily vomit, turn them over onto their side on the floor. Remove any clothes that are covering their head or neck.
- Give no liquids or medication since this could cause choking or airway obstruction. Try to keep track of the seizure’s duration and have your child relax after they return to normal.
- While they are experiencing seizures keep them away from any sharp objects and even eyeglasses that can injure them.
Seizure Safety
If your child experiences seizures that last longer than five minutes, breathing difficulties, develops blue lips, tongue, or face, loses consciousness for an extended period of time after a seizure, or get seizures while in water, these are all signs of an emergency that call for immediate medical attention.
