First Aid

Discuss a seizure preparedness plan with your treating medical provider.  This should include the following elements

• When to call emergency services (911) or go to the emergency room
  - Usually for prolonged seizures (especially generalized tonic clonic seizures), seizures associated with breathing difficulties, or any seizures that have caused serious injury
  - Brief seizures that have ended spontaneously without injury may require a call to the treating medical provider but not 911

• Use of rescue seizure medication in case of seizure clusters
  - Oral medications
    * Lorazepam or Diazepam
    * Other
  - Rectal medications
    * Diastat
  - If there is a VNS, swipe the magnet once

• For child with epilepsy in school, the seizure preparedness plan should be discussed in advance with the school nurse or other appropriate school official

• General precautions if you witness a seizure
  - Keep calm
  - Move the person away from danger if possible but with great care
  - Loosen restrictive clothing
  - Call for help and/or 911 if indicated.  Try to remember and describe everything you saw during the seizure
  - Never put anything in someone’s mouth during a seizure
  - After a seizure, it is important to get rest, regular meals, and take seizure medications on schedule

• Tongue and cheek bites
  - Tongue and cheek injuries can result from involuntary biting during a seizure
  - The tongue has a remarkable capacity to heal on its own.  There is no need however to suffer with a painful bite.  A medical professional can provide an oral lidocaine solution or other treatments for pain

• Post-ictal headache
  - NSAIDs such as ibuprofen are typically effective.  Discuss with your primary care provider if you are allowed to take NSAIDs first