The Epilepsy Association of Calgary
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Description: Convulsive seizures can affect anyone at any age. In a convulsive seizure, the body stiffens, there may be a loud cry (caused by air being forced from the lungs), the person falls to the ground, and their body will begin rhythmic jerking movements. The skin may appear bluish and the person may bite their tongue. The seizure will end, there may be a loss of bladder control. The person may be confused and/or sleepy for a few minutes after the seizure. DURATION: 1 - 3 MINUTES, seldom longer.
To Assist
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KEEP CALM. Let the seizure take its course. YOU CANNOT STOP IT ONCE IT HAS STARTED.
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PROTECT THE PERSON FROM INJURY by getting the person
down to the floor and placing something soft under the head. Move furniture or obstacles
out of the way, but do not interfere with the individual's movement. Loosen tight
clothing, especially at the neck.
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DO NOT FORCE ANYTHING BETWEEN THE TEETH. It may cause
injury to the teeth or jaws. If the tongue is bitten, it will heal. Breathing is not
usually obstructed by the tongue, but rather by fluids.
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When the jerking has stopped, ROLL THE PERSON TO THEIR SIDE.
This allows fluids to drain away, helping to clear the airway. If the person appears to
stop breathing momentarily, do not be frightened. Check for medical identification.
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Allow the person to rest after the seizure. Some individuals will be fine after a
few minutes, others may require several hours of rest.
- IF THE SEIZURE LASTS FOR LONGER THAN FIVE MINUTES, REPEATS WITHOUT A FULL RECOVERY OR IF THE PERSON HAS BEEN INJURED- CALL FOR MEDICAL ASSISTANCE.
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COMPLEX PARTIAL SEIZURES (Non-Convulsive)
Description: Complex partial seizures are mainly experienced by adults. Complex partial seizures generally involve a loss of awareness of the person's surroundings and may also include the following: Purposeless or inappropriate actions (lip smacking, repetitive movements such as picking at the clothes); walking around, but disoriented. There may be a range of variations. SEIZURE DURATION: 2 - 4 MINUTES, occasionally longer. Recovery is gradual.
To Assist
- STAY WITH THE PERSON but let the seizure take its
course. The person will be unaware of his or her actions and may not hear you.
- GENTLY GUIDE AWAY FROM DANGER but do not aggravate or
force.
- COMPLEX PARTIAL SEIZURES MAY SPREAD TO OTHER AREAS OF THE BRAIN.
Do not be alarmed if a convulsive seizure follows. See first aid for convulsive seizures.
- STAY WITH THE PERSON until you are sure of a complete
recovery. A few questions such as their name, the date, the day, and their location will
assist you in determining if recovery is complete.
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ABSENCE SEIZURES
Description: Absence seizures affect mainly children and include sudden, brief periods of loss of consciousness. The eyes may blink, and there may be slight muscle movements around the mouth. The child does not fall, and is able to resume full activity immediately. SEIZURE DURATION: 2 - 10 SECONDS.
To Assist
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Provide any missed information if you believe an absence seizure has
occurred. While a child is not in physical danger, school results may suffer if these
seizures are taking place in the classroom.
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The danger posed by absence seizures, is that they can go unrecognized,
causing damage to the child's self esteem, and progress in school. If you believe seizures
may be occurring, alert the parent(s) or guardians.
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EPILEPSY & Driving - A Personal Story
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4112 - 4th Street N.W.
Calgary, Alberta
T2K 1A2
Calgary and Area: (403) 230-2764
Toll Free: 1-866-EPILEPSY
Fax: (403) 230-5766
Email: epilepsy.calgary@telus.net