What Should You Do If Your Family Member Has A Epilepsy Seizures Attack?

As the epilepsy seizures person may be unconscious or drowsy, it is important that the family member or caregiver knows what to do:

-  Keep the person safe from injury - for example, remove surrounding objects especially those with sharp corners and protect him from falling to the ground

-  If unconscious, make sure he/she is still breathing before placing in the recovery position

-  Do not place any object in his/her mouth.  This may cause injuries like chipped teeth or even a broken jaw

-  Call for an ambulance if the epileptic fit:
    a.  lasts more than 5 minutes
    b. repeated seizures occur one after another
    c.  occurs in a pregnant woman or a person with diabetes

-  Otherwise, allow him to recover/regain consciousness and bring him to his family doctor for a check up

-  Try to remember the events you have witnessed.  This will be very helpful to the doctor

What measures can be taken to reduce the risk of another epileptic fit attack?
It is important that you do the following:

-  take your anti-epileptic medicine exactly as prescribed; avoid stopping the medicine or altering the dosage unless instructed to do so by your doctor

-  strive for general well being with a balanced diet, regular physical activity and effective stress management

-  limit your intake of alcohol

-  make sure you get enough sleep and rest, as lack of sleep can trigger a epileptic fit attack

-  when you fall ill, please see your family doctor for early treatment as another illness can increase your risk of having another epileptic fit attack

How to improve safety during a epileptic attack?
The following measures can be adopted to help improve workplace and home safety:
-  minimise exposure to open fires and sharp objects as well as consider minimising or avoiding the sue of microwave ovens and blenders

-  do not lock toliet doors and avoid lying in bathtubs for prolonged periods; showers are safer

-  avoid operation of heavy machinery

-  carry a card stating your condition and your medicines.  This will be helpful in an emergency.  Your doctor will be able to help you apply for one.

Tags: Epilepsy