A seizure is the result of a disturbance of the natural electrical activity in the brain. Not all the causes of seizures are understood but it is known that the following can all be the cause of seizures in adults.
- Epilepsy
- Head injury
- Some brain damaging diseases
- Shortage of oxygen
- Shortage of glucose
- Certain poisons including alcohol
The signs to look out for are sudden loss of consciousness, the casualty will collapse often letting out a cry, the body becomes rigid and the back may arch, breathing may cease and the casualty will develop a blueness to the lips and the face may appear congested. The jaw may be clenched and saliva appears at the mouth which may or may not be blood stained.
To help you need to protect the casualty by removing any danger from around them. Also it may help putting a cushion down to protect the head. In most cases individuals don’t need to go to hospital, however an ambulance should be called if seizures are repeated, this is the first time a seizure is occurring or if the seizure lasts more than 10 minutes
