How To Properly React To Someone Who Has Seizures: Sara's Experience (Part 2)

I'm sure you are all wondering what you should and shouldn't do when you are around a person with Epilepsy.

Sometimes I am going to be talking about people with Epilepsy in general and sometimes something more specific to me.


Do's

1. Treat me like a robust, healthy human. Like someone with Diabetes. When you find out that someone has Diabetes, do you run away and never talk to them again? Yes, both Epilepsy and Diabetes require maintenance, but you don't have to be scared of it. I am not fragile.

2. I have been on dates where I have told them I have Epilepsy and they never call me again. People tend to draw back from things that make them uncomfortable and Epilepsy is one of those things. I understand what it is like to be uncomfortable by something, but if you understand what Epilepsy is, it becomes easier. So, ask the person with Epilepsy some questions! They will most likely be glad to explain their condition. Talking is key.

3. Do help continue the conversation as if I am not having the seizure. There is nothing worse than being alone in the seizure. If you ask a question while the seizure is happening, I will answer it after I come out of it.



Don'ts

1. Staring. DO NOT STARE! You might as well punch me in the stomach. That is how it feels. When people stare at me during seizures, it feels like I am some foreign object the astronauts brought back from space. Maybe a weird animal. Why stare anyway? Yes, Grand Mal Seizures are noticeable, so it is natural to stare. BUT. When it is simply a Complex-Partial Seizure or Simple Partial? There is absolutely NO need to stare. Just do something else! Continue watching TV, eating your snack, petting your cat, listening to music.... whatever you were doing! I'll be out of it soon enough.

2. Most importantly, DON'T forget that people with Epilepsy love gifts, specifically chocolate. ;)




On a more serious note, when someone is having a Grand Mal Seizure, be aware of these things:

• Do they have Epilepsy? Do you know them already? If you don't, check their wrist, neck, or ankle for medical bracelets. If there are no medical bracelets on them, call 911.
• Time the seizure. Even if you already know the person has seizures, make sure you time it. If it lasts longer than three minutes, call 911.
• DO NOT MOVE THE PERSON! Make sure the person is safe and not hitting their head on the floor. Use a pillow or your lap to protect them from banging their head on the hard ground. Slighty turn their head to make sure their tongue doesn't fall back in their mouth.
• DO NOT PUT ANYTHING IN THEIR MOUTH! Some people have the idea in their crazy minds to put a spoon in the person's mouth. NOPE! NEVER DO THIS! Their reasoning is that they want to keep the person's tongue down so they don't choke on it. But, as I previously said, keep the person's head slightly tilted to keep their tongue to the side.
• Things to expect. There are many things that can happen during the seizure. Sometimes the person throws up. Sometimes they soil themselves. Often times foam comes out of their mouth. There will be noises coming from them. Grunting, heavy breathing, etc. It is different for everyone.
• The aftermath. Even after the person has stopped shaking, they are still in the seizure. It takes about five minutes after the shaking is finished to completely come out of the seizure. It will take them a while to start talking. All energy is wiped out of them from the seizure, so let them rest. They will be out for hours.