Epilepsy and Seizures

Convulsive seizures require first aid. If you see someone having a convulsive seizure, here are the steps you should take:

• Clear any objects that are in the way so that the person does not hurt himself or herself when his or her muscles jerk.
• If possible, turn the person on his or her side so that there is no risk that he or she will choke on saliva.
• Loosen ties, collars, scarves, or other items around the neck to prevent choking.
• If the person wears glasses, remove them if possible.
• If the person kicks or flails the arms or legs, do not attempt to restrain him or her.
• Stay with the person until the seizure is over and he or she is awake and alert. After a seizure, a person with epilepsy may be briefly confused, disoriented, or sleepy.

Complex partial seizures may also require help, though simple partial seizures do not require first aid. As with convulsive seizures, you should not try to restrain a person who is having a complex partial seizure. Just remove any objects in the person's way and stay with him or her until the seizure stops.

Kevin plays varsity basketball. At the beginning of the season, he tells his teammates about his epilepsy. “Epilepsy is a condition in which seizures happen,” he tells them. “Seizures are short malfunctions of the brain's electrical system. They are not conta gious, and most can be controlled with medication.

“There are two major types of seizures — those with convulsions and those without convulsions. Some people have both types, but I get convulsive seizures. They can look pretty frightening, but they don't hurt, and I can't remember them after they happen.

“When I have a seizure, I usually yell kind of loud and fall to the ground. My eyes roll up, and my body gets very stiff. Sometimes my face turns red and my lips get a little bluish. My body starts jerking, and I sometimes drool. The seizure usu ally lasts about two minutes. When it's over, I am achy all over and usually sleep for a while. My brain and body need a rest after all that activity.”

“Is there anything we can do to keep you from having a seizure?” Kevin's teammate Jason asks.

“No” Kevin replies. “Once the seizure starts, there's nothing anyone can do. Just try to clear the area so I don't hurt myself on anything. If I'm wear ing a tie or if anything else is wrapped around my neck, try to loosen it. If possible, try to put some thing soft under my head, like a jacket or sweater. You can take my glasses off if I'm wearing them so that they don't break. If you can, roll me onto my side so that the saliva drips out of my mouth and doesn't choke me. I know the whole thing sounds gross, but you guys are my friends, and I don't want you to be afraid or flipped out if I have a seizure.”

Jamal asks if the coach should call the para medics if Kevin has a seizure.

“If the seizure lasts more than five minutes, or if I have one seizure after another, then call them,” Kevin answers. “Otherwise, there is noth ing they can do. The best thing you guys can do is stay with me until the seizure is over and I wake up. Then you can tell me all about it!”

His teammates tell him that they want to help and that they will do all they can for him.

Kevin has also explained to his friends that he cannot drive yet. His friends offer him rides and help him make sure that he gets home from parties at a reasonable hour so that he gets enough sleep. They accept him and understand that just as their friend Jim has asthma and Paul has diabetes, Kevin has epilepsy. They know that it doesn't make him different in any way that matters.