(A guide on what to do in case of a seizure).
Epilepsies are disorders of the brain caused by malfunctions in the nerve cells. These malfunctions are what generally lead to seizures.
Sometimes, it could be difficult to tell that a person has a seizure as the person might just sit transfixed, staring into space and confused.
Majority of these seizures however can cause a person to fall, shake and become unconscious momentarily.
Oftentimes, these episodes last a few seconds to minutes before the individual returns to normality.
CAN SEIZURE ALSO MEAN FAINTING?
No, not at all. While seizures manifest in uncontrollable shaking movement sometimes with loss of bladder or anal control, Fainting does not.
WHAT DO I DO TO HELP A PERSON HAVING A SEIZURE?
*You do not need to panic. Though, this may be hard. Just do well to make this your guide.
*Ensure safety first. Always ensure the surrounding environment is free from any object that might harm the person such as stones, bottles, metals, etc. Remove them.
*Loosen all tight clothing on them. Waistbelts, Buttons, Neckties, headgear, etc could impede oxygen flow which they desperately need.
*Never restrict their movements. Surprised right?
Provided their environment is safe, allowing them their ‘seizure moment’ is an ideal thing to do.
*Do not give anything by mouth. Anything in their mouth at this time could lead to aspiration which in turn poses more harm than good.
*If the seizure lasts for more than 5 minutes, call for medical assistance.
WON’T I CONTRACT EPILEPSY BY HELPING OUT?
Hell no!.
Epilepsies are more of brain issues and not caused by germs and other microorganisms.
So next time, Do not run away.
Injuries on epileptic persons during seizures might just reduce because you did not run.
Brenda Chinwe Orie is a Nigerian Registered Nurse and Midwife.
She holds a degree in Nursing Sciences which she obtained from the Prestigious Abia State University with flying colors in 2013.
She uses her storytelling and creativity skills on her #NurseB community on Facebook where she teaches health behaviors using relatable Bedside experiences.
She had championed health courses such as #TheNurseBhealthybaby contest (An annual online contest for babies), #NurseBHomecarekit (A mini first aid kit for homes); the latest in her stables, #TheNurseBpregnancyjournal (A memoir for documentation on pregnancy).
She lives and works in Lagos, Nigeria.
