FITS / EPILEPSY        

What should I do?

• When patient collapses, rigid, tip the head well back, and loosen clothes
• Don't try to control thrashing limbs; surround patient with cushions to protect
• When jerking stops, keep head tipped well back
• If uninjured and safe to move, place the patient in recovery position
• Move dangerous objects out of the way

Fever Fits

• A small child developing a high fever may have a brief convulsive episode.
• Stay by his side; tip head back; put him in the recovery position. Take off his clothes and cool him with a cold, wet sponge. Cheek temperature with a thermometer in the armpit: aim to reduce it by only one or two degrees
• Send for the doctor
• After recovery keep the child lightly covered

Tips to remember

• An epileptic attack or a child's feverish convulsion may be alarming, but generally such seizures are short-lived
• Attacks vary from patient to patient. Most often, they come without warning. The patient fails unconscious; he may cry out and not be aware he has done so.
• The patient begins jerking his limbs and face or thrashing about; this can last up to 30 seconds. He may froth at the mouth; he may hold his breath; he may bite his tongue; he may pass urine involuntarily
• When the patient stops jerking, he will remain unconscious for some minutes. Then he will awaken, and will be drowsy. If he is accustomed to his attacks, he may want to take care of himself and wave helping hands away
• Unless there are familiar people to look after him, you should get him to hospital - by ambulance, if this is at all possible

Make sure you

• Do ease any tight clothing when the fit starts
• Do tip the patient's head well back to ensure that he does not choke during the fit
• Do mop away any froth that has come from the patient's mouth
• Don't try to control jerking thrashing limbs, just try to prevent self-inflicted injuries.
• Don't attempt to push anything between the teeth except a soft pad that will not slip back and block the throat( eg. rolled handkerchief)