Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a brain condition in which the victim may have seizures (fits). Very loud noises, flashing lights and even certain video games can trigger a seizure. Some seizures are brief and do not include a total loss of consciousness. Others have an active phase lasting up to two minutes.

Look for:

• Meaningless sounds being made by the victim
• Restlessness and confusion
• Loss of coordination with staggering and poor balance
• Clenching of the teeth with foaming saliva visible
• Loss of consciousness with a fall to the floor
• Twitching and jerking of some or all limbs with the head tossing from side to side
• Loss of bladder and bowel control
  

What you should do:

• Make the area safe to avoid injury while the victim is moving violently on the floor. Move furniture away; place clothing or blankets against heavy items. DO NOT try to restrain or move the victim during the seizure.
• When the jerking movements stop, quickly roll the victim onto his side and check that the airway is clear. The victim is likely to fall asleep at this stage, so allow him to lie quietly in this position until fully recovered.
• An ambulance is not required for a person who has an identification bracelet indicating epilepsy unless there are any wounds or injury requiring treatment. However, if the victim takes more than ten minutes to recover or if a further seizure occurs, an ambulance must be called.