[Medical Q&A] What should we do if we encounter an epileptic seizure?

Author: Tang Yulin Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center

Reviewer: Li Xiaojing, Chief Physician, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center

Sometimes in our work or life, we may encounter such a scene: someone suddenly has an epileptic seizure, and people around them come up with suggestions, such as pinching the Ren Zhong point, pinching the tiger's mouth, putting hands or other objects in the patient's mouth to prevent him from biting his tongue. But is this right? I tell you that this is wrong. Here are some practical "three musts" and "four don'ts".

Three musts:

1. Remove dangerous objects: Remove all objects around the patient that may cause harm, including iron, stones, sharp objects, fire sources, etc., to prevent the patient from being injured during convulsions.

2. Maintain correct posture: Help the patient take a safe position, usually supine, with the head tilted to one side, or side-lying. This position helps prevent oral secretions from blocking the airway and avoiding suffocation.

3. Observe and record: Carefully observe the patient's convulsions. If conditions permit, you can record the seizure video. If the patient's convulsion lasts for more than 3 minutes, you should immediately call the "120" emergency number for help.

Four Don’ts:

1. Do not press acupoints: Do not relieve epileptic seizures by pressing the Ren Zhong or other acupoints. This method is not only ineffective, but may also cause damage to the patient's local skin and soft tissue.

2. Do not forcefully press the limbs: Forcibly pressing the patient's limbs may cause injuries such as fractures.

3. Do not force the mouth open: Do not try to force the patient's mouth open or put anything in it. Doing so may damage teeth or bones, or even block the airway and cause suffocation.

4. Do not feed medicine: During an epileptic seizure, do not feed the patient medicine, including antipyretics. Feeding medicine at this time may cause aspiration, suffocation, and endanger the patient's life.

Knowing these basic first aid measures can help someone with epilepsy at critical moments and reduce the risks and injuries during an epileptic seizure. Remember, staying calm and taking the right actions in a timely manner are the keys to helping someone who is having an epileptic seizure.