Recognition of seizure disorders and knowledge of first aid is important
because it is easy to mistake some seizures for something else.
| Seizure Type Characteristics |
First-Aid |
| Generalized |
|
Tonic Clonic - body becomes rigid then jerking, usually
last 2-5 minutes with complete loss of consciousness. |
- Stay with person.
- Ease to floor if possible.
- Turn on side. Protect head (blanket or soft material).
- Loosen tight clothing.
- Move objects from vicinity.
- Provide privacy. Observe. Notify nurse.
|
| Atonic - sudden loss of muscle tone. |
No first-aid unless person gets hurt from fall. |
| Myoclonic - sudden muscle jerks. |
No first-aid. |
| Absence - brief seizures with loss of consciousness, stare,
blinking, rolling of eyes or mouth movement. |
No first aid. |
| Partial |
|
| Simple - starts in one part of body or brain. May have
sensory experience not obvious to an onlooker |
No first aid unless becomes secondarily generalized. |
| Complex - loss or impaired consciousness. Activity
inappropriate, purposeless (i.e. lip smacking, chewing). |
Speak calmly and reassuringly to person and others. Guide gently away from
hazards. Stay with person until completely aware of environment. |
| Secondarily Generalized - starts in one part of body but
progresses. |
- Stay with person.
- Ease to floor if possible.
- Turn on side. Protect head (blanket or soft material).
- Loosen tight clothing.
- Move objects from vicinity.
- Provide privacy. Observe. Notify nurse.
|
People who provide support to people who have seizures should recognize an
emergency situation and notify nurse immediately if: