Epilespy - The Basics

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There are many different types of seizures and each affects a person differently. It is quite scary witnessing or having a seizure and in the early stages you don't know what to do. This post is aimed at breaking down what epilepsy is, the main categories of seizures and how to help someone if they are having a seizure.





What is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that affects the brain and can cause seizures or unusual sensations or behaviours. 

Sometimes  (like with myself) it can be hard to spot when someone is having a seizure. The person can look as though they are spaced out or confused. Other seizures can cause people to drop and have convulsions. 

Seizures are broken down into two groups:
  1. Generalised Seizures - These affect both sides of the brain 
  • Absence Seizures also called petit mal can cause rapid blinking or a staring into space for a few seconds. 
  • Tonic Clonic Seizures also called grand mal can cause people to cry out, lose consciousness, fall to the ground or have muscle jerks or spasms - these are the seizures most people would associate with epilepsy
   2. Focal Seizures - These only affect one side of the brain
  • Simple Focal  Seizures can cause twitching or a strange sensation such as change in taste or smell
  • Complex Focal Seizures can make someone dazed or confused. These can last for a few minutes and the person may not be able to respond.
  • Secondary Generalised Seizures begin in one side of the brain and spread to the other.
What to do if someone is having a seizure
 9 times out of 10 if someone is having a seizure you do not need to do anything, nor should you. Below are some do's and don'ts for carrying out epilepsy first aid

DO's:
  • Stay with the person
  • Do not panic and remain calm
  • Time the seizure (if it lasts more than 5 minutes ring the emergency services)
  • After the seizure ensure the person is comfortable 
  • Move all sharp and heavy objects away
  • If they are on a chair try and guide them onto the floor. 
DON'Ts:
  • Restrain the person 
  • Put something in their mouth

  • Leave them 
For further information on epilepsy follow the useful links tab on the main page. 





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