Fits

Fits

Convulsions and Fits

What is the first-aid treatment for someone who had a convulsion or “fit”?

See that the patient does not further injure himself by striking his head or other parts of his body against hard objects.

Allow the patient to lie down and give him plenty of freedom. Do not attempt to restrain him.

Open a tight collar at the neck to allow easier breathing.

Lift up the chin to improve the breathing airway.

If it can done easily, place a folded handkerchief between the patient’s teeth to prevent tongue biting. (Do not place your fingers between the patient’s teeth, as you may be bitten).

Do most people recover from convulsions or fits?

Yes, particular if the convulsions are epileptic in origin. Convulsions due to a brain hemorrhage or tumor may lead to the death.

Should small children with convulsions be immersed in water?

No. It is much better to allow these children to remain comfortably in bed.

Should cold water be thrown on people who are having convulsions or fits?

No. This is improper treatment.

Should a parent pick up a child having a convulsion and run with him to a physician?

No. Recovery takes place in almost all cases of childhood convulsions. The best treatment is to allow the child to lie in bed unmolested.

Is there any way to find out how to aid a person having a convulsion?

Yes. In many instances people subject to convulsions will carry instructions in their clothing concerning their condition. Diabetics may carry instructions on what to do for them if they go into insulin shock. Epileptics often carry explicit instructions as to how they should be treated if they should be treated if they have seizure.

What after treatment is necessary for people who emerge from a convulsion or fit?

It usually takes quite a little time before they reestablish their normal thinking processes. Therefore, they should not be abandoned as soon as the convulsion has subsided. Many of these people will need quite a few minutes to know where they are and to realize what has happened. Stay with them until they regain their normal state completely.

E-mail this page to a friend