Seizures result from sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain, leading to changes in behavior, movements, feelings, or consciousness. They can stem from various causes, including epilepsy, head injuries, infections, or metabolic imbalances. As future healthcare professionals, understanding how to respond effectively to seizures is crucial.
Recognizing Seizures
Seizures manifest in diverse ways, depending on the brain regions involved. Common signs include:
Convulsive Movements: Uncontrollable jerking motions of the arms and legs.Epilepsy Foundation Texas+2Epilepsy.com+2MyHealth Alberta+2
Loss of Consciousness: The individual may become unresponsive.
Sensory Disturbances: Experiences like unusual smells, tastes, or visual phenomena.
Emotional Changes: Sudden feelings of fear, anxiety, or déjà vu.
Immediate Steps During a Seizure
Stay Calm: Your composure can help reassure others and maintain a safe environment.
Ensure Safety: Remove nearby objects that could cause injury. Epilepsy Foundation Texas
Protect the Head: Place something soft under the person's head to prevent head injury. MyHealth Alberta+6Epilepsy Foundation Texas+6Better Health Channel+6
Time the Seizure: Monitor its duration to provide accurate information to medical personnel.
Do Not Restrain: Avoid holding the person down or placing objects in their mouth. nhs.uk+3Better Health Channel+3Epilepsy Foundation Texas+3
Positioning: Once the seizure subsides, turn the person onto their side to maintain an open airway. Epilepsy Foundation Texas+2nhs.uk+2Better Health Channel+2
When to Seek Emergency Assistance
While many seizures resolve without medical intervention, call emergency services if:
The seizure lasts longer than five minutes. Epilepsy.com
Multiple seizures occur without full recovery between them.
The individual has difficulty breathing or remains unresponsive after the seizure.
The seizure occurs in water or the person is injured, pregnant, or has a known health condition like diabetes.Epilepsy.com
The seizure occurs from a fever: "Febrile seizures" are convulsions triggered by a sudden spike in body temperature, often due to infections in young children between 6 months and 5 years old. They typically present as full-body shaking, eye-rolling, and temporary unresponsiveness, lasting a few seconds to minutes. While alarming, most febrile seizures are harmless and do not cause long-term damage. Prevention includes managing fevers early with acetaminophen or ibuprofen, keeping the child hydrated, and using cool compresses. If a febrile seizure occurs, ensure the child is on their side in a safe space, time the seizure, and seek medical help if it lasts longer than 5 minutes or repeats.
Post-Seizure Care
After the seizure:
Offer Reassurance: The individual may be confused or embarrassed; provide comfort and support.
Check for Injuries: Assess for any harm sustained during the event.
Maintain Privacy: Ensure the person's dignity by limiting the audience and offering a calm environment.
Legal and Safety Considerations in Alberta
In Alberta, individuals who experience a first-time seizure are legally required to refrain from driving and must report the incident to Alberta Driver Fitness and Monitoring. A neurologist's assessment and clearance from the monitoring body are necessary before resuming driving.
Conclusion
As aspiring nurses, your role in managing seizures extends beyond immediate care. It encompasses patient education, advocacy, and collaboration with healthcare teams to ensure safety and compliance with legal requirements. By mastering seizure first aid, you contribute significantly to patient well-being and community health.
This material is for informational purposes only, derived from resources provided by The Canadian Red Cross, Alberta Heart & Stroke Foundation, and Alberta Health Services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, training, or treatment. Consult your local physician or safety training facility for further guidance.
RESOURCES:
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support - Heart & Stroke Foundation
Basic Life Support BLS- CPR Course 09:00am | Saving Grace Medical
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support Course | Saving Grace Medical
March 2025 is Epilepsy Awareness Month – Edmonton Epilepsy Association
Kaye Edmonton Clinic - Epilepsy Clinic | Alberta Health Services
Innovations in Epilepsy - Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation
Author - Saving Grace Medical Academy Ltd
Jason T
Retired EMT - Heart & Stroke Foundation Senior Instructor