Recognizing Signs for National Epilepsy Month

KYLEE JOHNSTON

Have you ever found yourself in a precarious situation and froze? If you have, it’s important to at least know what to do.

November is National Epilepsy Month, and students and faculty at ELHS should be informed.

Seizures are caused by anything that interrupts the normal connections between nerve cells in the brain. This can mainly be caused from flashing lights, alcohol, brain injuries, but with some the cause is unknown. Epilepsy is a seizure disorder and around 1.2% of Americans are diagnosed, according to the CDC. 470,000 children nationwide have this disorder.

When someone is experiencing a seizure, make sure sharp objects are out of the way so no one else gets hurt. Secondly, hold their head off the ground so they don’t get a head injury and turn them to their side to open their airways. Don’t try to hold them down.

After the seizure, they may be tired and want to sleep, but make sure they stay alert until doctors assist them. The best thing you can do is stay calm and focus on what needs to be done. If the person has difficulty breathing or walking after the seizure, call 911 immediately.

Feeling dizzy, disconnectedness from your body, unusual smells or tastes, periods of forgetfulness, jerking movements in limbs, tingling or numbness are all symptoms and warning signs of a seizure.

Take precaution by avoiding alcohol, getting enough sleep, and avoiding flashing lights.

Knowing what to do during a seizure might save their life.