Seizure Precautions - mc.vanderbilt.edu

1 Seizure PrecautionsHOMECAREINSTRUCTIONSDEPARTMEN T OF TRAUMAA Seizure may happen at any time, in any place, even while a person is taking anti- Seizure medicine. There may or may not be a warning that a Seizure is about to happen. People maylose awareness of their surroundings during a Seizure . During a Seizure Turn the person onto his side. Remove hard or sharp objects from the area. Loosen tight clothing such as a collar or a belt. Place something soft and flat under the head. Never force anything into the person's mouth, especially your fingers. Ask on-lookers to leave the area. If you suspect the person has inhaled his own vomit, call a doctor a Seizure Allow the person to lie they awaken, gently call them by name and explain what happened and where they are.

2 It is not cause for alarm if the person urinates or has a bowel movement during or after the Seizure . If the person has an injury, such as heavy bleeding from the tongue, call an ambulance. Write down an accurate description of the Seizure as soon as possible. The doctor may want toknow how long the Seizure lasted and what the person was doing immediately before, during, and after the that might cause a seizureStressful situationsHyperventilationFever Low blood sugarDrinking alcoholLoud noisesConstipationMenstruationCaffeineFl ashing lightsLack of sleepDrinking a lot of waterFatigue(page 1 of 2)A person with a Seizure disorder should remember Learning Center, HC-0526 (10/00) vanderbilt University Medical CenterThis information is intended for education of the reader about medical conditions and current treatments.

3 It is not a substitute for examination, diagnosis, and care provided by your physician or a licensedhealthcare provider. If you believe that you, your child, or someone you know has the condition described herein, please see your health care provider. Do not attempt to treat yourself or anyone else withoutproper medical attention. All Rights Reserved. 2000, vanderbilt University, vanderbilt University Medical Center, vanderbilt Children s Hospital. Take Seizure medicine (anticonvulsant) as prescribed by a doctor Avoid activities that require being alert such as operating equipment that could cause injury Drive only after a doctor says it is safe Wear an bracelet or necklace at all times Check with a doctor before stopping or changing any medicineTRAUMA PATIENT CARE CENTER (615) 936-0175 For more informationEpilepsy Foundation of Middle Tennessee2002 Richard Jones RoadNashville, TN 37215(615) 269-7091 or call toll free 1-800-244-0768 This information is intended for education of the reader about medical conditions and current treatments.

4 It is not a substitute for examination, diagnosis, and care provided by your physician or a licensedhealthcare provider. If you believe that you, your child, or someone you know has the condition described herein, please see your health care provider. Do not attempt to treat yourself or anyone else withoutproper medical attention. All Rights Reserved. 2000, vanderbilt University, vanderbilt University Medical Center, vanderbilt Children s Learning Center, HC-0526 (10/00) vanderbilt University Medical Center(page 2 of 2)