First aid for seizures - How to help someone with epilepsy

Do you know the signs of a seizure or how to help someone experiencing one? Epilepsy is more common than you think, affecting millions globally. Educating yourself on its causes, symptoms, and treatment is vital for your safety and the well-being of others. Don't miss this essential guide.

What are the main causes of Epilepsy?

• Genetic factors play a significant role in some cases, with certain genes increasing a person's susceptibility to developing epilepsy and recurrent seizures.
• Brain injury, such as from a stroke, traumatic head injury, or brain tumor, is a common answer to what causes seizures in adults, disrupting normal brain activity.
• Developmental disorders or infections, including meningitis or encephalitis, can also lead to epilepsy by causing structural changes or inflammation in the brain.

Key symptoms of Epilepsy to watch for

• The most recognized of all epilepsy symptoms are recurrent seizures, which can manifest in various ways depending on the part of the brain affected.
• A tonic-clonic seizure, formerly known as a grand mal seizure, involves loss of consciousness, body stiffening, and rhythmic jerking movements, requiring immediate attention.
• Other types of seizures can include brief staring spells (absence seizures), sudden muscle jerks (myoclonic seizures), or changes in awareness and behavior.

How can you manage Epilepsy effectively?

• The primary epilepsy treatment involves anti-seizure medication (ASM), which helps control or prevent seizures in the majority of individuals by stabilizing brain activity.
• Lifestyle adjustments are also crucial, including maintaining regular sleep patterns, managing stress, and avoiding known seizure triggers to minimize risks.
• Knowing proper seizure first aid is paramount for caregivers and the public to ensure safety during a seizure, particularly for a tonic-clonic seizure, preventing injury.

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Understanding epilepsy is crucial for supporting those affected and ensuring safety. If you or someone you know experiences seizures, seeking medical advice is essential for diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan. Empower yourself with knowledge and learn life-saving seizure first aid today.

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