Epileptic seizure

Question 1

What is it?

Answer 1

Epilepsy is a pre-diagnosed condition, during a seizure there is a brief disruption of the normal electrical activity within the brain causing a fit

Question 2

Signs (non-convulsive)

Answer 2

sometimes called petit Mal, seem to stare vacantly into space, although some will flutter their eyes or smack their lips, they will have no memory of the seizure

Question 3

Signs (convulsive)

Answer 3

sometimes called grand Mal, sudden loss of consciousness, convulsions, frothing at the mouth, pt may bite their tongue, go blue, urinary incontinence

Question 4

Symptoms

Answer 4

people often get a distinctive feeling or warning sign that a seizure is on its way. (auras) they may notice a strange smell or taste, feeling of deja vu, feeling the outside world has suddenly become unreal or dreamlike, fear/anxiety or body feeling strange

Question 5

Action

Answer 5

remove any harmful objects from around them, loosen any tight clothing + wait for the fit to finish as well as time the seizure. Observe + reassure the patient, place in recovery position. if the seizure is longer than 5 mins or it is their first then call 999 + diazepam can be administered

Question 6

Management

Answer 6

ABCDE approach

• ensure pt is safe + don’t put anything in their mouth
• do not restrain them
• if necessary, administer oxygen + midazolam from drug kit
• once jerking has stopped, place pt in recovery position