Seizures

Seizures: Home Care & Treatment

Follow your health care provider's recommendations. Known epileptics should always wear a medical alert tag.

There is nothing you can do to stop convulsions once they have started. See seizure-first aid. All that can be done is to help protect the victim from injury and get medical help as needed. Clear furniture and sharp objects from the area around the victim.

If vomiting occurs, turn the victim's head so that the vomitus is expelled. If the victim is unconscious, keep the airway open, and be prepared to administer CPR if necessary.

In an infant or child, if the seizure seems to be the result of high fever, cool the child gradually, using a dampened sponge or cool compress and tepid water. An appropriate dose of acetaminophen (Tylenol) may be used if the child is awake. DO NOT, however, immerse the child in a cold bath.

After a convulsion, most victims go into a deep sleep. Don't prevent the victim from sleeping. He or she will probably be disoriented for awhile after awakening.

Stay with the victim until recovery or until you have professional medical help. Meanwhile, monitor their vital signs (pulse, rate of breathing, blood pressure).

DO NOT:

• DO NOT restrain the victim.
• DO NOT place anything between the victim's teeth during a seizure (including your fingers).
• DO NOT move the victim unless he or she is in danger or near something hazardous.
• DO NOT try to make the victim stop convulsing -- they can't control themselves during a seizure.
• DO NOT perform rescue breathing on a seizure victim, even if they are turning blue. Most seizures end long before brain damage would begin.
• DO NOT give the victim anything by mouth until the convulsions have stopped and the victim is fully awake and alert.