Epilepsy – Care and Treatment

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Tonic-clonic Seizures (‘Grand Mal’)

protect from harm
place something soft under head
loosen tight clothing and any tie
roll into recovery position when jerking stops, or immediately if vomited
reassure until fully recovered
DO NOT put anything in the casualty’s mouth
DO NOT restrain the casualty

If seizure occurs while the person is seated and strapped in, leave them seated until the seizure is finished. Support their head and neck during the seizure. After the seizure place in the recovery position if unconscious, or if there is food, water or vomit in their mouth.

Absences (‘Petit Mal’)

nil active treatment required
reassurance

Complex Partial Seizures (Focal)

protect from harm
reassure until fully recovered
DO NOT restrain unless at risk of injury

Simple Partial Seizures

nil active treatment required
reassurance

One problem encountered by the first aid provider is that of the well meaning, but untrained, bystander. This person may insist that the epileptic’s tongue should be held before they ‘swallow it’.

The bystander should be discouraged from actively pulling the casualty’s tongue out, or placing anything in the casualty’s mouth.

Most epileptics understand what happened to them, and as soon as they recover sufficiently, they continue on with their business. They do not usually require ambulance care and may become upset when one is called.

However, as the first aid provider, you must satisfy yourself that the person is recovering normally, and that there appear to be no complications.