Statistically, 1 in 10 people will have a seizure at some point in their life, but what exactly are seizures?
The brain works through neurons, which communicate with each other synchronously through stimulating and inhibitory electrical discharges. In a properly functioning brain, a perfect balance between these currents is achieved. When this balance is lost in favor of the excitatory currents, a seizure occurs and is shown in the body as loss (or not) of consciousness with involuntary movements, which may be in one part of the body or generalized.
Seizures are related to many causes, many in the brain and others at a systemic level. Seizures are not always warning signs. For example, many children have seizures when they have very high fevers, and this does not mean that they will continue to have seizures throughout their lives. A very severe drop in blood sugar can also cause seizures. At the brain level, trauma and tumors can also cause seizures. The term epilepsy is used when more than two episodes have occurred or when the cause of the seizure has been found.
The cause of seizures is not always known. Some people may be genetically predisposed to this, but this does not mean that they will or do have cognitive or other problems. Thanks to advances in medicine, there are medications that can control and prevent seizures. However, there is always the possibility of witnessing someone having a seizure, and in that case, you need to know how to act.
What should I do if I see someone having a seizure?
- Stay calm and ask for help: Don’t despair. If you are alone with the person having a seizure, call an ambulance or fire department before anything else.
- If the person has lost consciousness and is moving around widely, place them on the floor with a pillow or something soft within reach to avoid strong blows to the head.
- You should also remove any tight clothing that could hurt you: ties and belts in particular.
- Another measure to avoid shocks is to remove any furniture or obstacles that are around the person having a seizure.
Check that the person is breathing correctly: It is important to check that the person does not have anything in their mouth. It is believed that you should put something in the mouth to prevent them from biting their tongue, however, it has been shown that placing an object in the mouth is more dangerous than the possibility of this happening, as it can cause the person to choke and stop breathing. Checking that there is nothing in the mouth and tilting the person’s face up slightly to the side is enough.
Provide support and detail what is happening to the person until help arrives. Once the crisis is over, you must ensure that the person is safe and will receive the necessary care.
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