Seizure First Aid--Tonic Clonic (Grand Mal) Seizures

There are over 20 types of seizures.  The most known one is called the tonic clonic, or the grand mal.  People recognize it by the stiffening and uncontrolled jerking of the arms and legs—a convulsion. 

Convulsions can be scary to witness.  However, if you follow these guidelines
, things will work out.

·         Stay calm.

·         Time the seizure.

·         Look for medical identification.

·         Remove anything hazardous in the area.

·         Loosen any tight clothing, especially around the neck, such as a tie or scarf.

·         Lay the person on their side to clear the airway and avoid choking.

·         Cushion their head to prevent injury.

·         Keep other people away from the scene.

·         When the seizure ends, stay with the person until they have totally woken up and recovered.

When to call 911:

·         If the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes.

·         If it is the first seizure the person has had, or is unknown.

·         If the person is pregnant.

·         If the person has any other medical condition.

What NOT to do if someone is having a seizure:

·         NEVER put anything in the person’s mouth.  This can cause their teeth to break or jaw to dislocate.  It is a myth that the tongue can be swallowed.  It cannot!

·         NEVER hold the person down.  This can injure the person having the seizure and you as well.

·         NEVER try to give them medication until after the seizure is completely over.  The person must be fully aware of their situation when taking any medication.  In addition to knowing what they are taking, if you try to give it to them during the seizure, they may choke.

If you keep these things in mind, you will be able to handle a situation that requires first aid for tonic clonic seizures.

Source:  www.end-epilepsy.org