Witnessing someone suddenly experience an epileptic seizure can be a highly stressful and frightening experience. In those intense moments, our natural instinct is to react immediately to help the person. However, well-intentioned but incorrect actions can often cause more harm than good, leading to severe injuries for both the individual having the seizure and the bystander.
When managing a seizure, knowing what not to do is just as critical as knowing what to do. Here are the most dangerous myths and practices that you must completely avoid.
1. Do Not Try to Lift or Restrain the Person
When someone falls down and begins to shake, a common mistake is trying to lift them up or hold them down to stop the movements. You must never attempt to pick up or restrain an actively convulsing individual.
Because their muscular movements are involuntary and violent, trying to lift them increases the risk of losing your grip, causing them to fall again and sustain serious head injuries or fractures. Restraining them can also lead to muscle tears or joint dislocations.
2. Do Not Place Iron or Metal Objects in Their Hands
A widespread traditional myth suggests that placing an iron key, a metal rod, or any metallic object into the hands of a person having a fit will instantly stop the episode.
From a medical standpoint, this practice has absolutely no scientific backing and provides zero benefit. In fact, because the person’s grip tightens violently during a seizure, forcing a hard metal object into their hand can cause severe puncture wounds, cuts, or skin damage.
3. Keep Your Hands and Clothes Away from Their Mouth
It is common for individuals to bite their tongue during an episode, which can cause frightening bleeding from the mouth. Seeing this, panicked bystanders often try to force the jaws open by inserting their fingers, a rolled-up cloth, or a spoon between the person’s teeth.
You must never force anything into a seizing person’s mouth. Forcing objects inside can break their teeth, damage their gums, or block their airway entirely, leading to suffocation. Furthermore, inserting your fingers puts you at extreme risk of being severely bitten by an incredibly strong, involuntary jaw reflex.
4. Never Administer Food, Fluids, or Medication
If someone is actively experiencing a seizure, never try to force tablets, water, or any other liquids down their throat in an attempt to calm them down.
During an episode, the individual’s normal swallowing reflexes are completely compromised. Attempting to pour fluids or place medication in their mouth can cause the material to enter their lungs instead of their stomach. This leads to a life-threatening medical emergency known as aspiration, which can cause severe lung infections or immediate choking.
Focus Only on Safe First Aid
The safest course of action is to let the seizure run its natural course while keeping the person safe. Clear away sharp objects, cushion their head with a soft cloth or pillow, and gently roll them onto their side to keep their airway open. Wait calmly for the episode to end before offering any further assistance.
