Convulsions - First-Aid Measures

  Convulsions, or to use the common, if the non-medical term, "seizures", often result in well-meaning bystanders doing more harm than good due to faulty and outdated beliefs. Let's clear up these misconceptions and be aware of proper first-aid measures. Seizures can have several causes, such as idiopathic (cause unknown) epilepsy; brain damage resulting in mental abnormality; a blow or head injury that results in epilepsy at a later stage; tumors; kidney or liver failure; excessive use of alcohol and narcotics or their withdrawal in chronic cases; and sudden discontinuation of epilepsy medication. A spasm has four different phases: Aura: the patient receives a warning of an impending seizure. This can be in the form of an abortive seizure characterized by twitching or certain sensations - sometimes including pain - which he may recognize as warning signs based on past experience. Tonic: The limbs become stiff, the jaw is clenched, and the patient may also foam and drool at the mouth. Tonic-clonic: This is the most recognized phase, characterized by a shaking or jerking movement of the body. They can be localized in one area or they can occur all over the body. The patient may lose control of their bowels and bladder, resulting in uncontrollable stool and urine. Postictal: It's like the aftermath of a storm. The patient remains sleepy and unsure of himself. He may be in a semi-conscious or even unconscious state for some time. The actual duration of these phases is variable. However, the first stage usually lasts from a few seconds to a minute, while the last stage lasts from a few minutes to a few hours. WHAT TO DO: The first step is to remove the patient from immediate danger to him, such as sharp or hard objects; busy thoroughfares; exits of moving buses or trains; balcony or pool edge. Have him lie down with his head to one side to prevent vomit from entering the lungs (this could cause aspiration pneumonia). If possible, put a folded tissue in his mouth between his front teeth so he doesn't bite his tongue. But under no circumstances should you put your finger or any hard object in his mouth. With the unnatural force of the spasm, he could bite into something like a stick and choke on it. Loosen clothing to facilitate breathing (this may not be possible if the attack has already started). Give him plenty of space. NO, Restrain the patient as he may cause you bodily harm. Let the attack wear off in its own time. Feed or try to pour water into the patient's mouth (a common mistake, especially when dealing with infants - water is considered a universal aid in most medical emergencies!) Try the "onion in the mouth" or the "sleepers" routine. (if the patient recovers within minutes, you may feel that these traditional methods "worked", when in fact the spasms resolved on their own). WHEN IS AN ATTACK DANGEROUS? If several seizures occur in a row, get medical help immediately, as an anticonvulsant injection and other treatment will be called for. After a seizure: Have the patient lie down if they are not already doing so. Usually, the patient feels sleepy (fourth stage). If so, let him sleep. Keep his head well to one side as suggested earlier. Only after the patient returns to normal should he be given something to eat or drink. There are millions of hits on the Internet for Wellness - from mental to physical health, heart fitness, cancer, yoga, how to overcome certain ailments like diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and canker sores, and tips on how to lose weight and how to grow taller. , with many other ideas receiving honorable mentions. It takes quite a bit of searching to find any one site that has so much to offer on all these fronts, let alone one that can bring together all the needs for your innermost. For the sake of health, you can stop looking there and take time for yourself, a one-stop-shop of sorts.