You’re travelling in a bus and the lady beside you has a seizure. Everyone is confused what to do? How will you help? Will you stop the bus and call an ambulance? 

About 50 million people's lives are affected by Epilepsy. It is a common neurological condition and it comes with challenges that are beyond medical care. Managing the condition is paramount but offering the right support during and after a seizure makes a lot of difference for someone living with epilepsy.

In this blog, we will explore what epilepsy is, how it is different from seizures, and practical tips to help. Whether you’re a caregiver, friend, or someone passing by, this blog will equip you with the knowledge to respond effectively.

Understanding Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological condition where there is a tendency to have seizures that start in the brain. Seizures are sudden, temporary, bursts of electrical activity in the brain that disrupt the way messages are sent between brain cells. These electrical bursts can cause involuntary changes in body's movement or function, sensation, behavior or awareness. Everyone has the potential to take hold of one’s body. Whereas, a person with epilepsy has a lower seizure threshold – this means they are more likely to have seizures than people without epilepsy. Read more about different type of epileptic seizures here. 

Furthermore, it is important for us to know the difference between epileptic seizures and nonepileptic seizures. A seizure is an event and can be a symptom of other medical problems. Other conditions that can look like epilepsy include fainting, or when people with diabetes have low blood sugar and have a diabetic seizure.  In this information when we use the term ‘seizure’ it refers to epileptic seizure.

First aid for epileptic seizures

Seizures can be sudden and require immediate attention. Keeping the individual safe during these vulnerable moments is necessary. Some basic steps to keep in mind:

• Remove any harmful objects in the surrounding area

• Help them to a safe position

• Ensure that the seizure runs its course without interruption

You can best help someone when you know the type of seizure they have and what happens to them when they have a seizure. If it is someone you don’t know, or you don’t know about their epilepsy, follow our basic first aid message: Calm, Cushion, Call (CCC). Usually, there is no need to call for an ambulance. However, call an ambulance if:

• It is the person’s first seizure

• They have injured themselves badly

• They have trouble breathing after the seizure has stopped

• One seizure immediately follows another with no recovery in between

• You do not know how long their seizures last.

Tips for Supporting Someone with Epilepsy

• Learn about their condition- Epilepsy is a spectrum disorder. Two individuals diagnosed with the same disorder might not have the same management and symptoms. Knowing what works best for them is key to help them feel better.

• Being prepared for seizures- Knowing early signs of a seizure can help you to prepare and be ready. Some early signs are confusion, staring into blank spaces and muscle twitches. Each patient has different intensities, frequencies and durations of seizures. Depending on that one should be prepared to provide maximum ease when the seizure happens. 

• Medication management- Medication is an essential part of seizure management. Gentle reminders to take medicine on time show care and support. Medicine refills and prescriptions should be reviewed from time to time. This is important to keep harmful side effects in check.

• Create a safe environment- Often when seizures happen in public patients experience embarrassment and shame. Listen to what they have to say. Empathetic listening can help the patient feel vulnerable in a safe setting. 

• Be an Advocate- Learn about the disorder and educate others about the challenges. Promoting them to be independent in various settings like social, academic and interpersonal while also being available for help.