Seizures
What is the "typical" sign of a seizure?
Jerking movements / Loss of muscle control
What is fainting?
A sudden or brief loss of consciousness
What is the first step to take when someone is having a seizure?
Remove nearby objects and place a towel / pad under the victims head
If the victim falls, what should you do first?
-Assess person for any injuries that may have been caused by the fall.
Epilepsy, although not all seizures are due to this condition
Fill in the blank: Individuals may feel ___ before fainting?
Dizzy
What step needs to be taken once someone starts having a seizure?
Phone or have someone phone security / 911 and grab the AED
Once a victim is no longer dizzy, what should you do? (2)
- Help them sit up slowly and have them remain sitting before slowly standing up
What are some less typical causes of seizures? (4)
-Head injury
-Low blood sugar
-Heat related injury
-Poisons
What are the typical causes of fainting? (3)
-Sudden drop in blood pressure
-Dehydration
-blood pressure medication
After the seizure has subsided, what should you do?
Check for signs of life. If there are non, begin performing CPR / using the AED
If the person Faints and then starts to respond, what steps should be taken?
Ask the person to lie flat on the floor until dizziness goes away.
Do all people experiencing seizures have physical symptoms?
- Not all people display physical symptoms. Some also display physical symptoms in less obvious ways
What are some more serious causes of fainting? (2)
-heart disease
-nervous system problems
After 911 / security is contacted, what are the precautions that you should (2) / should not (1) take while the victim is seizing?
- Do NOT attempt to put anything in their mouth
-Loosen any neckwear i.e scarves, necklaces etc.
-Turn the victim over to their side if you do not suspect a neck / head or spinal injury.
If the person is dizzy and does NOT faint, what steps should be taken? (2)
-Help them lie down on the floor.
-If they continue to be dizzy/ have a decreased level of consciousness or lose consciousness, activate EMS
What are some less typical signs of seizures? (3)
-Blank stare or rapid eye movement
-Bitter / metallic taste
-Sudden mood changes such as anger or joy
-What is a technique commonly used in a gym setting that can cause fainting?
-Valsalva maneuver
What is a common state for a victim to be in after their seizure subsides? (2)
- It is not unusual for the victim to be confused or fall asleep.
If the person faints, regains consciousness but remains dizzy, what steps should be taken?