CONVULSIONS (FITS, SEIZURES) – CONCLUSION

Here are a few do’s and don’ts for friends or relatives of someone who has fits. First of all, try not to panic. As I’ve said, fits usually last only a few minutes and your friend or relative is not likely to die while having one. When a fit starts, remove any hard or otherwise dangerous objects from nearby. Don’t hold the person in an attempt to stop the jerking movements. Don’t try to force his or her mouth open with a hard object—this is likely to do more damage than the biting of the tongue you are trying to prevent. Loosen any tight clothing, especially around the neck and chest. Once you can do this without causing injury (usually once the jerky movements have stopped), turn your friend or relative onto one or another side with his or her face pointing slightly downwards, until he or she comes to. This position ensures that the person’s tongue is not blocking the air passages and that any fluid in his or her throat and mouth drains out. I suggest you ask a nurse to show you how to place someone in this position, so that you feel confident about it. Don’t offer anything to eat or drink until your friend or relative has come to completely. Keep him or her nice and warm and respect his or her need to have a good sleep afterwards. That’s not so difficult is it? I hope you don’t feel quite so nervous about it now that you have some idea of what to do.

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