Seizures

False: Many seizures will stop within 2minutes, but some go on for longer.

TRUE: Any seizure lasting more than 5 minutes is an emergency, even if the patient is known to have epilepsy.

TRUE: what happened to the person when the seizure was happening is an essential piece of information.

TRUE: If possible, and if safe to do so, try and break their fall before they hit the ground.

FALSE: Protect them from any nearby dangers and protect their head by placing something soft underneath, or by cradling the head.

TRUE: The patient may develop blue lips, but do not intervene until the seizure has stopped.

TRUE: Control of the bladder can be lost. This is embarrassing and uncomfortable for the patient, so needs to be treated sensitively.

TRUE: A seizure may be a sign of cardiac arrest. Always go through the primary survey (DR ABC) and if the person is not breathing, call 999, request a defibrillator, and start Basic Life Support.

FALSE: If the patient is asleep and breathing, putting them into the recovery position will protect the airway from obstruction by the tongue, saliva, any blood, and any vomit.

TRUE: Some people need time after the seizure to fully recover. Protect them from further dangers. Do not restrain the person unless what they are going to do will harm them, and there is no alternative. Ensure someone has called 999 for assistance.