Instructions for first aid for victims of convulsions

The article was written by MSc Le Thi Thanh Huong - Emergency Medicine Doctor, Emergency Department - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.

Seizures are caused by abnormal electrical activity inside the brain. Most seizures go away on their own within a few minutes, and the most common cause is epilepsy. However, some convulsions can be caused by other medical conditions such as traumatic brain injury, hypoglycemia, heat stroke, poisoning, or sudden cardiac arrest.

The signs of a seizure vary widely. People with convulsions may have the following manifestations:
Muscles soften, lose control Appears convulsions in the arms, legs, part of the body or the whole body Fall to the ground Unconsciousness Some cases have atypical manifestations such as : unresponsive and glazed eyes (glare and lifeless).
During a seizure, the victim may bite their own tongue, cheeks, or lips. Therefore, it is necessary to prepare a first-aid bag to give first aid to the above injuries.
After the seizure, the victim may exhibit delayed response, confusion, or fall asleep.
>>> Characteristics of generalized seizures

The most important part of initial management is to help the victim avoid trauma during the seizure. Initial management is as follows:
2.1 During a seizure Move objects away from victim Place a small pillow or towel under the victim's head Call 911 (115 or the nearest Emergency Department) and get a first aid kit 2.2 After a seizure Quickly check that the casualty is breathing and responsive Stay with the casualty until emergency services arrive and remove the casualty: If the casualty is vomiting, or has fluid from mouth protrusion 🡪 place casualty on side. If the casualty is unresponsive (screaming but the victim does not respond to any movement or sound) and is not breathing or is yawning 🡪 need emergency cardiac arrest immediately. If the victim bites their own tongue, cheeks or lips and bleeds 🡪 apply gauze/a clean towel to the wound or bite clean gauze/towel to press on the wound (if the wound is inside the mouth) until the wound stops bleed.