When a patient has an epilepsy crisis, it is normal to faint and have seizures, which are violent and involuntary contractions of the muscles, which can cause the individual to be struggling and salivating and biting the tongue and, usually, the crises last, in between 2 and 3 minutes, it being necessary to:
- Put the victim on his or her side with his head down, which is known as lateral safety position, as shown in figure 1, to breathe better and avoid gasping with saliva or vomiting;
- Place a support under the head, such as a folded pillow or coat, to prevent the person from bumping his head on the floor and causing some trauma;
- Loosen tight clothing such as belts, ties or shirts, as shown in figure 2;
- Do not hold your arms or legs to prevent muscle breakage or fracture or get injured due to uncontrolled movements;
- Remove objects that are close to and can fall on the patient;
- Do not put your hands or any object in the patient's mouth as it may bite your fingers or choke;
- Do not give drink or eat because the individual can stifle;
- Count the time the epilepsy crisis lasts .
In addition, when an epilepsy crisis occurs, it is important to call 192, to be taken to the hospital, especially if it lasts longer than 5 minutes or if it is repeated.
In general, an epileptic who already knows his or her condition has a card stating his or her condition with data on the medicine he usually takes, such as Diazepam, the doctor's or family member's phone number, and even what to do in case of convulsive crisis Learn more at: First aid for seizures.
After an epilepsy crisis it is normal for the person to remain in the state of apathy for 10 to 20 minutes, remaining plowed, with an empty, tired-looking gaze as if asleep.
In addition, the individual is not always aware of what has happened, so it is important to disperse people to allow air circulation and recovery of the epileptic is faster and without constraints.
How to Avoid an Epilepsy Crisis
In order to avoid the appearance of epileptic seizures, it is necessary to avoid some situations that may favor its appearance, such as:
- Sudden changes in luminous intensity, such as flashing lights;
- To spend many hours without sleep or rest;
- Exaggerated consumption of alcoholic beverages;
- High fever for long periods;
- Excessive anxiety;
- Excessive tiredness;
- Illicit drug use;
- Hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia;
- Take only the medicines prescribed by your doctor.
During an epileptic crisis the patient loses consciousness, has muscle spasms that shake the body or may simply become confused and inattentive. Get to know more symptoms in: Symptoms of epilepsy.
