Epilepsy Awareness – Do’s & Don’ts One Must Know!

2. The current fact is that Epilepsy sufferers can still lead full and productive lives despite the fact that there is currently no cure for the disorder. A patient can remain active and have a high quality of life with the proper care, safeguards, and knowledge of what to do and not do. Finding a highly skilled and reputable neurologist is the first stage in controlling the illness so that a management program – diagnosis, investigation, treatment, and precautions that are tailored to your unique needs may be implemented. What is Epilepsy? A brain condition called epilepsy is responsible for recurrent, unannounced seizures. If you experience two unprovoked seizures or one unprovoked seizure with a significant probability of subsequent ones, your doctor may diagnose you with epilepsy. Epilepsy does not cause all seizures. Although brain damage or a genetic predisposition may be related to seizures, the exact reason is frequently unknown. The term “epilepsy” simply refers to conditions that cause seizures. It makes no mention of the severity or source of the person’s seizures. What is a seizure? A seizure is a brief period of uncontrollable electrical activity in the brain that results in transient anomalies in behavior, sensations, states of awareness, and muscular tone or movement (fits, twitching, or staring into space). Numerous uncontrolled convulsions with very pronounced arm or leg thrusts may be present during major seizures. Minor seizures, more correctly known as absence seizures, are characterized by the victim “zoning out” or staring off into space, frequently grabbing at items of clothing or twitching. Even while seizures usually only last a few minutes, they are frequently terrifying to witness. For their recovery, dignity, and awareness of their disease, it is crucial that they understand what to do and what not to do.

4. Here is a list of the top “Do’s” and “Donts” that one must follow in case of Epilepsy: What to do if someone is having Epileptic Seizures: DO move any furniture or other things out of their way so they can’t damage themselves. Put something soft (like a jumper) beneath their head to prevent it from striking the ground only if they are in a dangerous location, such as on the road. To determine how long a seizure lasts, DO check the time. Call an ambulance if the seizure lasts more than five minutes. DO Try to keep people from swarming around you. Consider the dignity of your casualty; they wouldn’t want to wake up to a crowd of people gaping at them. Aim to minimize any embarrassing situations. Deal with this in private if they have soiled themselves (for example, put a coat over them). If you have any worries or notice that they may have hurt themselves during the seizure, DO contact an ambulance. The majority of the time, a person’s seizures will end on their own, and they won’t require medical attention. DO record your observations about the seizure in writing. They and their medical staff will find this to be of great service later. DO Stick by them till they are well enough to resume their previous activities in a secure manner. While some people bounce back fast, others might need more time to feel like themselves again. DO verify that following the seizure, the person’s respiration returns to normal. If they don’t wake up, place them in the recovery position.

6. If this is the first time the patient has ever experienced a seizure, DO call for the ambulance immediately. Seizures are indeed quite frightening, at the same time, it is very important to let these seizures pass away first and asses the casualties later. Things NOT to do whilst someone is having a seizure: DO NOT attempt to restrain or hold the individual down. During a seizure, DON’T put anything in between the person’s teeth (including your fingers). Unless the person is in danger or close to a dangerous object, DO NOT MOVE THEM. DO NOT attempt to stop the person from shaking. Both the seizure and their awareness of it at the time are out of their control. Until the person’s spasms have subsided and they are awake and conscious, DO NOT give them anything by mouth. Unless the seizure has been clearly terminated and the person is not breathing or has no pulse, DO NOT begin CPR. NEVER abandon them. So that they have someone to turn to when the seizure ceases, stay with them. Unless you can find a friend to come and be with them for support, DO NOT draw unwanted attention to them when they are having their seizure. Unless it is the person’s first seizure, they have hurt themselves, have stopped breathing, or the seizure lasts more than five minutes, DO NOT call an ambulance right away.

7. DO NOT presume to know what brought on the seizure. It may not always be epilepsy; there are alternative possibilities. Besides everything else mentioned above, the most important part of managing epilepsy is by creating awareness about it and growing sensitivity towards the topic.