First Aid – Seizures
A seizure is caused when there is sudden, abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Causes of seizures include diseases, such as epilepsy, brain injuries, fever, and reactions to drugs. Although most seizures are brief and cause no lasting harm, some seizures may be prolonged, presenting both immediate danger and long-term effects. In this course, you’ll learn about the symptoms and causes of seizures as well as first aid to provide a person experiencing a seizure.
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Learning Objectives
• Explain what a seizure is • List some causes of seizures • List three general sets of symptoms associated with seizures • Explain how to help or provide first aid for a seizure, depending on the set of symptoms • Explain when to summon emergency medical care when someone is having a seizure
Specs
| Course Level | Intermediate |
| Languages | English |
| Compatibility | Audio, Video |
| Based on: | Industry Standards and Best Practices |
Key Questions
What causes a person to have a seizure?
A seizure is caused when there is sudden, abnormal electrical activity in a person’s brain. Many things can cause seizures, including diseases, injuries to the head, fever, and legal and illegal drugs. Epilepsy is a disease that causes people to have recurrent seizures from time to time.
Are seizures dangerous?
Some seizures are dangerous, and others aren’t. In general, seizures that last more than five minutes are dangerous.
What are symptoms of a seizure?
Seizures can have many different causes and symptoms, but in general we can group the symptoms into three types: The person is awake and alert; the person is awake but not fully alert; or the person is unconscious.
What can be done to help a person experiencing a seizure?
The care and first aid you’ll provide depends on the group of symptoms. In general however, during a seizure, stay with the person, calm them, and make sure they don’t cause themselves any harm. It’s important to get emergency medical care if the person has a seizure for more than five minutes.
Sample Video Transcript
Seizures are caused by sudden electrical abnormalities in the brain. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and the seizure itself may last only a second or two, or it may go on for minutes. If a person is ever in a seizure for more than five minutes, always call for emergency medical aid. Seizures can have many different causes and symptoms. But in general, we can group the symptoms into three types. The person is awake and alert. The person is awake, but not fully alert. Or, the person is unconscious. The care and first aid you’ll provide depends on the group of symptoms. In general, however, during a seizure, stay with the person. Calm them, and make sure they don’t cause themselves any harm.
Additional Resources
- Mayo Clinic – www.mayoclinic.org
- Conditions – http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/epilepsy/home/ovc-20117206?mc_id=bing&campaign=141805378&geo=&kw=Seizure&ad=10587250416&network=&sitetarget=&adgroup=4634137812&extension={feeditemid}&target=&matchtype=p&device=c&account={accountID}&placementsite=enterprise
- WebMD – www.webmd.com
- First Aid for Epilepsy and Seizures – http://www.webmd.com/epilepsy/guide/first-aid-seizures
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – www.cdc.gov
- Seizure First Aid – http://www.cdc.gov/features/getseizuresmart/index.html
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