Epilepsy, help!!!?

Question

I have a friend who's epileptic and I really enjoy spending time with him. He had an epileptic seizure once and i got really scared. What should I do in a case like that??

Answer 1

I'm 23 and have been epileptic all my life, and here are things that I tell people around me who are in your situation.

First of all, DO NOT PUT ANYTHING IN THEIR MOUTHS!!! EVER!!! The fact that so many people run around believing this is the best thing to do for an epileptic seizure scares the crap out of me. Some people believe that it will keep them from choking on their tongue, but that's impossible. Others, like the person above, think it will keep them from biting their tongue or cheeks or whatever. If you put something in their mouth, it could make them choke and possibly kill them. Not to mention that you might get your finger bitten or something like that. Trust me, them biting their tongue or cheek is a whole lot better than them choking to death. And no, they won't swallow their tongue. Please, tell anyone you know to NEVER PUT ANYTHING IN THE MOUTH OF SOMEONE WHO IS HAVING A SEIZURE!!! ESPECIALLY something plastic or metal!!

The best thing to do is first, roll them on their side to ease breathing. Next, place something soft under their head - a sweater, shirt, jacket, or something nearby. Next, take notes. Note how long the seizure lasts, what the symptoms are, and how they act afterwards. This information helps doctors identify what type of seizure it is (there are many types of seizures - grandmal, complex partial, petitmal, and more) and decide what kind of treatment is best.
Also, if the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, call an ambulance. The longer the seizure, the more serious the effects will be afterwards. More than 5 minutes is cause for real alarm.

After the seizure, epileptics enter what is called the post-ictal state, which is like a hangover from the seizure. They may be very disoriented, not making sense, in a lot of physical pain, or very confused.

Provide a quiet, dark environment. Many Epileptics, like myself, experience excruciating migraines when they come out of a seizure, and light, sound, and motion only make it worse. Next, try to gauge how conscious they are by asking them basic questions like where they are from, what school/workplace they go to, what their mother's name is, etc. Their answers to these questions will help you judge how conscious they are and whether or not to take what they say seriously (many times, in the post-ictal state, Epileptics don't make much sense and can say things that are random or even offensive - this will help you determine whether or not what they are saying is realistic).

Finally, let them sleep. Seizures are very exhausting for the body and brain and it is important that Epileptics get a lot of sleep after their seizures. Lack of sleep can be a key cause in seizures, too.
Stick by them while they sleep, too - or at least close by. Don't leave them alone after a seizure. A lot of times, seizures occur in succession (one after another) and this can be very serious. Stay by them for several hours - at least until they wake up from their sleep. If another seizure occurs, call an ambulance.

Also, while they sleep, it may help to get them some Gatorade, juice, or some drink with a lot of vitamins (not an energy drink - they are really high in caffeine and caffeine is really bad for headaches and migraines). Because seizures can be really hard on the body (the muscles can tense up so much that it feels like you've just run a marathon when you wake up), drinks like these can help the body recover and get some of that lost energy and vitamins back. Gatorade usually works best for me.

But please, please, please DO NOT put ANYTHING IN YOUR FRIEND'S MOUTH!! I've been Epileptic all my life and even had brain surgery about 5 years ago to treat it, and I've seen dozens and dozens of neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuropsychologists, and more, and EVERYONE who knows ANYTHING about seizures will tell you to NEVER PUT ANYTHING IN THEIR MOUTH. Ugh - I don't know how that myth got started or why people just love to spread it, but it is ABSOLUTELY WRONG!

Answer 2

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder in which patients experience recurrent seizures. At least two seizures must occur before epilepsy is diagnosed. Epilepsy is one of the most common brain disorders in the United States.


An epileptic seizure occurs when the nerve cells in the brain suddenly increase their activity, causing an electrical storm that can overwhelm the brain. This can result in various symptoms ranging from slight changes in taste or smell to loss of consciousness and involuntary muscle contractions that affect the whole body. The symptoms experienced depend on the area of the brain affected.

Lots more information below on this topic!
http://neuro.health.ivillage.com/epilepsyseizure/epilepsy.cfm

Answer 3

First of all, don't panic. During a seizure, he can't feel anything, so you'll need to do what you can to get him away from anything dangerous, such as hot, hard, sharp, high, or deep. If he isn't already on the ground, gently get him there. Once he is on the ground, turn him on his side, loosen any tight clothing, and put something soft under his head. DON'T put anything in his mouth. He cannot swallow his tongue and you are more likely to do more harm than good to him and possibly you if you try and stick anything in his mouth. No need to call the paramedics unless you can see that he is hurt or in the very very very rare case that he comes out of his seizure and then goes right back into another one. When he does come out of it, keep calm and take it slow with him since he is likely to be a little disoriented. Once he is back, he might want to take a nap or he might be ready to get on with things.

Answer 4

Remove anything from around him that he could hurt himself on and time the seizure. If possible put something under his head. If it lasts more than 5 minutes call 911. DO NOT try to put anything in his mouth or restrain him in anyway. If he is in a dangerous spot call for help.

Answer 5

well hes your friend do research on it and see what you can do to help him when hes having seizures. Just find a way to get use to it and dont treat him any different because it might make him feel bad just treat him like hes as normal as anyone else.

Answer 6

usually, just stay near him and make sure he doesn't get hurt. it's really better to ask him and his parents as each person with epilepsy will act differently during a siezure. it's good that you're concerned for him and still wish to be his friend. to many people shy away from the disorder out of fear.

Answer 7

First make sure he doesn't fall and hurt himself. Make him gently lie down. Best will be to put him on his side. Put a metal/hard plastic object between his teeth to prevent tongue-bite. Call for help.