First Aid for Epilepsy: Essential Life Saving Tips for Africans

By Chinedu Akpa. B. Pharm. Freelance Health Writer. Medically reviewed by: A. Odutola. MB.BS., PhD, FRCSEd.

Epilepsy first aid tips for saving lives.

Highlights 

• Epilepsy is a disease that occurs when brain cells misfire abnormally without any known provocation.
• Learning and offering first aid can prevent more injury and or save the life of an epileptic during a seizure attack.
• First aid can be applied during and after a seizure.
• People with epilepsy can develop mindfulness and self-awareness of imminent seizure attacks. In doing so, they may have windows of opportunity to communicate with their doctor or caregiver to plan preventive measures for safe care during a seizure attack.

Introduction 

The Red Cross/ Red Crescent Societies, and other paramedical organizations are aware that in emergency medical situations, there can occasionally be a thin line separating life and death. For this reason, they invest time and money in teaching and training people in life-saving techniques like Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). 

This is also true for medical conditions such as epilepsy. Although quite rare, deaths have been recorded either during or after an epilepsy crisis. Statistics show that sudden unexpected deaths in epilepsy (SUDEP) are the most common disease-related cause of death in epilepsy patients, occurring in 1 out of every 1,000 cases. [1] Other possible causes of death are status epilepticus, drowning, falls, and motor vehicle accidents. 

The odds of you being injury free during epilepsy, could hinge on your getting proper first aid during the attack. So, it is very important to be aware, learn and regularly update your first aid skills. This deliver first aid care o someone witnessed as having an epileptic seizure. 

What is epilepsy? 

Epilepsy is a chronic and non-communicable disease. It is marked by recurrent, body jerks (seizures) which could last for just a few seconds or minutes. These seizures are usually unprovoked involuntary movements which may affect a part of the body or the whole body. Globally about 50 million people are affected, and about 10 million are in Africa. [2, 3]

Click here to learn more about the types, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy.

What is First Aid?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, an agency of the US Department of Labour, defines First aid as “medical attention that is usually administered immediately after an injury occurs and at the location where it occurred.”

First aid is usually a one-time, short term treatment or care that requires little technology. Examples of first aid may include, cleaning minor cuts, scrapes, or scratches; treating a minor burn; applying bandages and dressings; the use of non-prescription medicine; removing dirt from the eyes; massage; and drinking fluids to relieve heat stress, etc.

Why is First Aid Important in Epilepsy?

Evidence suggests that those with cardiac arrest can double or triple their survival rate with the administration of CPR. [4] Hence, the value of first aid in epilepsy, just like in CPR, cannot be underestimated because it could make the difference between life and death. 

Here are some of the benefits of providing first aid to an epileptic during a seizure: 

• Ensure safety: Create a safe environment, since seizures can render people unaware or unconscious of their environment.

• Reduce injuries: Minimise the risk of sustaining injuries from uncontrolled movements or falls. 

• Prevent choking: Help the person having a seizure from choking on their vomit or saliva.

• Dispel myths: Being the first responder in an emergency would stop people who do not know enough about providing first aid for epilepsy from making the condition worse. 
• Know when to call for emergency help: A seizure could last too long which might require an emergency call for more help and movement to the nearest health facility. 

Epilepsy Seizure First Aid

In light of the definition stated earlier, first aid can be provided during and immediately after an eplileptic seizure. So, it is important to learn what to do at each stage.

Epilepsy first aid infographics with tips .

Precautions to Take Before an Epilepsy

People living with epilepsy very often know some warning signs before they finally come down with seizures. These signs could be irritation, headache, anxiety, confusion, and feeling of something about to happen (aura). 

If you've lived long enough with people with epilepsy, you might be able to recognize these signs also and offer the following help:

• Help the individual to the ground if they are standing 
• Clear the area of any object capable of causing harm. 
• Loosen any tight clothing on the person. 

First Aid During and After an Epilepsy

During a seizure, a lot of things can go wrong with the victim but you can provide the following first aid to a seizure victim. These steps include:

• Stay calm 

• Roll the person to the side to help vomit or saliva drain from their mouth

• Do not place anything in between their mouth

• Ensure that the person is breathing properly

• Record how long the seizure lasted

• Stay with the person for the duration of the seizure

• Call an emergency. 

When to Call an Emergency for an Epilepsy Victim? 

You may call an emergency during a seizure if any of the following occurs:

• The seizures last more than 5 minutes. Prolonged seizures can cause brain damage

• The person has repeated seizures without regaining consciousness in between them

• It's the person's first experience of a seizure

• The person has difficulty breathing

• The person remains unresponsive or confused for an extended period after the seizure

• Seizures occur in dangerous situations such as while driving or swimming

• The person is pregnant, diabetic, or has other chronic medical conditions. 

What an Epilepsy Patient Should Do 

An epileptic patient should take steps to help their doctor or caregiver manage their condition more effectively. These steps include:

• Have a diary where you record your seizures, how long they last, and the activities you were involved with when they occurred

• Share the recorded information on timing, warning signs, and potential triggers with your doctor. These can also help you take measures to prevent seizures

• If you have warning signs that your seizure is about to start, try to move to a safe place and alert those around you that you are about to have a seizure

• Finally, always use your anti-seizure drugs as directed by your doctor, pharmacist or nurse 

Conclusion

Understanding and applying first aid principles during an epilepsy crisis can save lives, reduce injuries, and ensure timely intervention. Whether you are a caregiver, a bystander, or someone living with epilepsy, being equipped with the right knowledge and taking proactive steps can make a significant difference. By learning seizure first aid, observing warning signs, and collaborating with medical professionals, you can contribute to creating safer environments and improving the quality of life for people living with epilepsy.

References

1. Schachter SC. How serious are seizures? [Internet, n.d]. Epilepsy Foundation. Cited November 28th, 2024. Available from here.

2. World Health Organization. Epilepsy. [Internet]. February 7, 2024. Cited November 28th, 2024. Available from here.

3. Muazu J, Kaita AH. A review of traditional plants used in the treatment of epilepsy amongst the Hausa/Fulani tribes of northern Nigeria. Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med. 2008 Jun 18;5(4):387-90. doi: 10.4314/ajtcam.v5i4.31294. PMID: 20161961; PMCID: PMC2816574. Available from here.

4. American Heart Association. CPR and First Aid Emergency Cardiovascular Care. CPR Facts and Stats. [Internet, n.d]. Cited November 28th, 2024. Available from here

Related:

Epilepsy in Africa: Types, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Epilepsy: An Awareness Guide for Africans

Epilepsy in Africa: Common Myths and Misconceptions

Published: December 3, 2024

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