FirstAid4Free: March 2008

Epileptic seizures fall into two main categories - petit mal and grand mal.

Recognition:

Petit mal:

These are temporary absences - the casualty just seems dazed, staring into thin air and not aware of their surroundings.

Grand mal:

The casualty usually knows just before they will have a grand mal seizure - they just have an instinct.
The casualty tenses up, falls to the ground and experience convulsions.
Sometimes froth appears at the mouth.
Occasionally they may become pale if they have trouble breathing.

Treatment:

Petit mal:

The casualty will naturally recover within a few minutes.

Grand mal:

Protect the casualty by trying to break their fall and removing dangerous objects from around them.
If possible try and protect the casualty's head by padding underneath it - a towel or coat would be ideal.
Monitor the casualty's airway and breathing.
The seizure should subside within a few minutes.
If the casualty stops breathing be prepared to resuscitate.
The casualty is likely to be very tired and confused after they come out of the seizure.
Advise the casualty to seek medical attention afterwards.

Modern epilepsy treatment is quite effect and most epileptics have their condition under control.

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