5 common misconceptions about first aid during an epileptic seizure

Slapping the patient, pouring water on them, making them smell onions or garlic, or trying to force their jaw open by inserting spoons or fingers... These and similar errors are just a few of the well-intentioned but harmful actions bystanders often take when someone has an epileptic seizure, commonly known as 'sara' among the public.

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5 common misconceptions about first aid during an epileptic seizure

When people see a patient suddenly stiffen, fall to the ground, experience jaw locking, and foam at the mouth—leading to fears that they might choke—they can panic, become confused, and try to provide help as best they can.

However, incorrect interventions can cause the patient serious injury or even death.

CAN BE VIEWED AS 'MENTALLY ILL'

It is reported that the lack of public awareness regarding epilepsy, one of the most common neurological diseases in our country, can even lead to these patients being viewed as 'mentally ill'.

Epilepsy is neither a mental illness nor contagious; however, especially in underdeveloped societies, the failure to properly diagnose and treat these patients pushes them to the margins of society and prevents them from adapting to the flow of normal life.

Here are 5 common misconceptions about first aid during an epileptic seizure...

Slapping the patient: WRONG!

THE CORRECT ACTION: This first-aid intervention, which is frequently encountered on the street and is a common misconception, has no benefit to the patient and can actually cause trauma.

The most correct intervention is to lay the patient down, turn them on their side, and wait. This allows saliva and secretions to drain naturally, preventing potential respiratory issues (such as choking on saliva or the tongue blocking the airway).

Pouring water on them: WRONG!

THE CORRECT ACTION: This method, frequently resorted to by the patient's relatives and bystanders trying to intervene, provides no benefit whatsoever. In fact, it can cause water to enter the patient's mouth or nose, leading to respiratory distress. Instead of pouring water on the patient, you can loosen any clothing constricting their throat and help prevent them from hitting their head on the ground by acting in a calm and soothing manner.

Moving the patient: WRONG!

THE CORRECT ACTION: One of the most common mistakes during an epileptic seizure is trying to move the patient. Attempting to carry the patient from one place to another during this time can cause them to fall due to widespread muscle contractions, leading to serious problems such as head trauma. Therefore, unless the patient is in a dangerous area (such as traffic, the side of a road, or a place where they could fall), the best intervention is to turn the patient on their side and wait for the attack to pass.

Making them smell garlic/onion: WRONG!

THE CORRECT ACTION: Making a patient smell garlic or onion, a common belief during an epileptic seizure, has no benefit. Any odor from the surroundings does not contribute to ending the seizure and, conversely, if it blocks the patient's airway, it can prevent them from breathing and lead to a life-threatening risk. Therefore, one should avoid making them smell onions or garlic.

Inserting a fork/spoon/finger into their mouth: WRONG!

THE CORRECT ACTION: Due to the jaw locking that occurs after the full-body muscle contractions frequently seen in epileptic attacks, the patient's mouth will not open for a while. Attempting to open the patient's jaw using a fork or spoon during this time, on the contrary, causes broken teeth and lip or tongue injuries.

Relatives who try to insert their fingers into the patient's mouth can also be harmed themselves due to severe jaw contractions. The only thing to do at this moment is to turn the patient on their side and wait for the contractions to end. The contraction will usually end within a few minutes, and the patient's jaw locking will also cease.

News Source: 12punto