"BTW- why not post a new thread about Seizures in this forum... everyone needs to review basic TX , Do's and Don'ts and helpful tips for the family members with epilepsy."
Sacamuelas
With Eagle5US's permission, I will post my original question and his answer.
Quote:
lrd: If we are out in the woods somewhere and I run out of medicine because we are stranded -- or more likely, I don't get enough sleep -- and begin seizing, is there anything my family can do to make me stop? I have been medicated (Dilantin) for so long (31 yrs) that my seizures are very few and far between...so when I do seize, it is very severe and the last time I seized 3 times before the docs could get me to stop. When I was younger, I would have a "mild" grand mal seizure, take a nap, and be recovered the next morning. Now, they are so severe that it takes weeks to fully recover and usually involves a hospital stay. I haven't had a seizure since 1992, and the longer I go the more worried I get about the strength of the next one -- especially if we are out in the boonies somewhere. Any advice for my family, besides protecting my head and making sure I don't swallow my tongue?
Eagle5US: Sooooo glad you are well controlled with your siezures. They can be quite the frightening encounter for everyone involved.
Unfortunately...you have the basic idea IF you should ever experience another one. A couple of things though...
If you are going to be in the wild wild wood...consider having a "siezure kit" with you. Easy to make out of household stuff. It should have a bite stick (tongue depressor with tape or a commercial model) to prevent you from breaking your teeth or biting your tongue, some instaglucose or other sweet shelf stable source of dissolved sugar (siezures use an incredible amount of energy and sugar stores...violent siezure activity can often result in low blood sugar...a bulb syringe for suction of secretions,and a rag for GP and a spare pair of panties (to change into afterwards).
Protection of your melon is foremost, body parts second. Make sure everyone is educated on your condition and even run a scenario or two with EVERYONE who you are going out with so they ALL know what to do in case you have a siezure. Otherwise it will be your luck to be with the ONE person who is clueless...and it could cost you your life.
You should not be restrained during your activity, and should be placed in the recovery position for your post-ictal period. You of course know this part...once you regain consciousness...simple fluid rehydration and if necessary, the sugar compound IN PARTS...NOT ALL AT ONCE can be tolerated until you are able to stand again.
BTW: the whole swallowing your tongue thing is a myth...it actually can't fold backwards...but it can slide back to cover your airway.
I hope this helps a little...if I didn't really answer your Q, let me know and I will try again.
|
Like Eagle said, it is a very unsettling experience for those who have not seen a seizure before. I've had them in the classroom, on the school bus, in a choir loft, at the mall (Mark and I were looking at mattresses so I'm not sure if half the people watching even knew what was happening), and at home alone. Most of them were in the early years when I was still growing and the doctors were adjusting my dosage. The first time I seized my best friend had just given me a cough drop; everyone thought I was choking and treated me accordingly. So the scenarios are:
1. 13 YO child (86 lbs) who recently put something in her mouth
2. 17 YO on a bus/public transportation
3. 23 YO in a public area
4. 45 YO in statis epilepticus
What would you do? What would you recommend for family members to do and not do? What treatment items should be kept in the home and what can be substituted for them?
NOTE: A very small person can be very strong when seizing.
NOTE II: Protect your head. A cracked skull can change your life.
Threaded Mode
