Being able to discharge first-aid treatment for epilepsy may make all the difference during an epileptic attack in the wilderness. Epilepsy is a disorder in the neurological system that’s highlighted by sudden, persistent disturbances in the sensory region, convulsions, or consciousness, and is linked to unusual electrical activities in the brain.

Quick Facts to Know about epilepsy

 

According to epilepsy.com…

• There are 65 million epileptic people around the globe.
• There are 3 million epileptics in the United States of America.
• At least 1 in every 26 people will experience epilepsy at a point during their lifetime.
• At least 4 and at most, 10 in 1000 people worldwide live with an active seizure at any given time.
• There are at least 150 000 new epileptics in America every year.
• 1/3 of the 64 million epileptics on earth experience uncontrollable seizures as there is no cure available for them.
• The cause of at least 6 out of 10 cases of epilepsy is often unknown.

With these stats, it is correct to say that the number of people with epilepsy supersedes the total number of those with Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy & cerebral palsy. So, there are high chances of crossing paths with an epileptic in your lifetime. 

That’s more reason to know how to administer first-aid treatment for seizures.

Follow the instructions below when anyone nearby is suffering an epileptic attack:

• Remain calm.
• Get harmful objects out of reaching distance.
• If necessary and possible, loosen tight clothing.
• If the affected person has fallen, turn them gently onto their side & rest their head on a soft object.
• Stop the person from wandering about, as they may be doing so.
• Contrary to popular belief, do not insert any item into their mouth or between their teeth. They cannot swallow.
• Avoid restraining the person.
• Measure how long the seizure is lasting.
• Remain with the person until the episode ends.

When Should I Call 911?

 

Call 911:

• If the episode is the first for the person;
• If the episode takes longer than 5 minutes to subside, or if it repeats.
• If the person is pregnant, injured, or diabetic;
• If the episode happens in water;
• If the person stops breathing or lose consciousness after the episode;
• If the person is not wearing any ID telling that they are epileptic. Check necklaces, bracelets, or related items for information.

Aftermaths of An Epilepsy Episode

 

There are common, temporary “after” effects of a seizure, some of which are:

• The person may become emotional. Reactions like crying and extreme self-pity are typical, all thanks to guilt. The ideal thing to do is to reassure & comfort them as much as you can.
• Confusion & temporary loss of memory is also common in most cases. This amnesia lasts for a very short period and usually affects the episode they just have.
• Body soreness & physical exhaustion are also usual, and the person will rest a lot in the following 24–48 hours.
• Scratches & bruises are also typical due to the fall or rolling.

Conclusion 

 

Administering first-aid treatment for epilepsy is easy, as you can see. You don’t have much to do; all it takes is to ensure that they don’t get injured while the seizure is on. Keep in mind that with a person around, an epilepsy episode can be expertly managed.