MAJOR EPILEPSY (TONIC CLONIC)

Major epilepsy causes muscle rigidity, muscle contractions and loss of consciousness. Epilepsy is a result of recurrent brain activity disturbance.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Light-headedness; Dizziness; Loss of consciousness; Loud moaning; Contraction and relaxation of muscles causing convulsions; Twitching of limbs; Violent shaking of extremities; Eyes rolling back or closed; Contraction of the jaw; Incontinence.

TREATMENT DO NOT:

Attempt to restrain the patient during the seizure as this may cause injury; Put any object into the patient’s mouth; Leave the patient until he or she is fully recovered.

DO:

Protect the patient from injury by removing any object that poses a threat to him or her a safe distance away (e.g. chair, boxes etc); Place a towel or something soft under the patient’s head; Ask any bystanders to move away; Attempt to time the seizure.

IF:

The patient vomits place his or her head to the side to allow the vomit to run out of the mouth; The patient has experienced a seizure previously it may not be necessary to call for an ambulance; The patient has never experienced a seizure before or if the seizure lasts longer than five minutes, or if the patient stops breathing call 112 or 999; In any doubt, call an ambulance; The patient is a child and has a temperature, cool the patient.