Supporting individuals during an epilepsy emergency

Having a seizure can become an emergency situation. Here we look at how to support individuals in an epilepsy emergency.

What is an epilepsy emergency?

There are various ways to define an epilepsy emergency, though one of the common ones is a seizure lasting a significant time. However, not all seizures require medical attention or an ambulance.

When would a seizure be considered an emergency?

A tonic clonic seizure which lasts 5 minutes or longer is usually deemed as an emergency. The reason for this is that this is the typical length of time an individual will require some form of emergency treatment. Individuals may require various rescue medications at this point. Though individuals can have a protocol which states other times such as 3 or 4 minutes or longer. This is dependent on the individual and their medical professionals. A seizure which lasts 5 minutes or longer is called ‘prolonged seizure’. It can also be due to an individual having another seizure before recovering from the previous one.

Why is ‘status epilepticus’ an emergency?

When an individual is in status epilepticus it is when their seizure lasts 30 minutes or longer. If an individual has a seizure lasting 30 minutes or longer. It can cause brain damage, organ failure and in some cases death. Therefore it is important to get medical treatment as deemed in their protocol. 

Other epilepsy emergencies

There are additional epilepsy emergencies which can arise and these include:

• where an individual has become injured as a result of epilepsy (e.g. a head injury)
  
• a seizure which lasts longer than usual (usually 2 minutes or longer)
• the amount of seizures is more than usual
•  an individual does not gain consciousness within 10 minutes 
• when you feel concerned about the individual

Remember if you are uncertain, call 111 and they may be able to advise you. The caller may direct your call and request for a Doctor or the paramedics to to attend. If you believe the individual is in immediate danger, call 999 and request an ambulance.

How can we support an individual with epilepsy?

The first thing is staying calm.

It can be scary whether it’s the first time or the 100th time. Though it is important to stay as calm as you can. Remember to breathe. Breathe in through your mouth, momentarily hold your breath and then breathe out from your mouth. This can help calm you.

Understand their condition

When working with an individual with epilepsy, you should know the key information to be able to support them. Typical areas may include knowing what their seizures look like, when to call for medical attention and how to support them. Familiarise yourself with their care plan and any emergency care plans or protocols. Remember individuals will have different protocols based on the type of seizures and their experiences.

Be reassuring.

You should reassure the individual, during and after the seizure. They may not be able to hear you, but this is still important. It provides the individual with respect. Additionally, the individual may be able to hear and see you, though this may not be obvious to you.

Maintain dignity.

If you are in a room full of individuals, it may be appropriate to relocate other service users and staff. An individual may feel embarrassed and therefore limiting observers can support the individual. An alternative, could be sectioning of the space if temporary re-location is not possible.

Get help

As mentioned in the previous sub-heading, there are times when an ambulance may be required. If you have never called 999 before, it can feel overwhelming. Ask your workplace to create a simulation to build your confidence and lessen your anxiety in calling for an ambulance.

Want to learn how to support individuals with epilepsy and administer Buccal Midazolam?

Click the button to view our Epilepsy with Emergency Medication training

Where can you get additional information for epilepsy?

Here are some resources to various websites:

• Epilepsy Society – click here 
• Epilepsy Action – click here
• Book our epilepsy awareness course – click here
• Or book our epilepsy emergency medication training – click here