[Previous Page] [Next Page] [Table of Contents/Search]

Major fit / Epilepsy

Scenario: It's your day off, and you go shopping at the Victoria Market. Fred, whom you've known for years, suddenly tugs at your sleeve. He pleads: 'See Charlie, over there...can you come over? It's Charlie, me mate, he's real sick. It's the plonk. I told him to stick to beer but no...he has fits on plonk. He's over just behind the bin...we camped there last night...won't take ya long...f- he's sick.' As you arrive, Charlie lets out a loud cry and starts to shake violently from head to toe, knocking over his sherry.

This could be:

• A sudden epileptic attack. Epilepsy is common amongst alcoholics.
• A reaction to some other serious problem such as an overdose, stroke, head injury or heart attack.

Advice:

• Note the time of the fit.
• Scan the immediate area for dangerous objects (syringes, glass) that may injure the client or yourself.
• Continually reassure. This will be calming for everybody present. 'It's all right, Charlie. You're right, mate. We've got you.'
• Loosen any tight clothing around the neck.
• Gently prevent any convulsing limbs from causing injury.
• Do not force the mouth open or attempt to insert something. This is unnecessary.

When the fitting stops (usually after 2-3 minutes) and the muscles relax:

• Roll Fred to his side to the 'recovery position', with the lower leg outstretched and the upper leg bent to stabilise the body. (Training is necessary. Consider requesting such training.)
• Clear and stabilise the airway (see 'The ABC of life support').

Reassure Charlie till he is fully awake. This will minimise the fear and confusion caused by the fitting. This usually takes around ten minutes but may take up to an hour. Explain what has happened. Withhold his bottle of 'plonk' if he requests it. Medical advice should be sought.

Fitting that will not stop or which recurs after a pause, fitting accompanied by irregular or obstructed breathing, or where there is failure to regain normal consciousness within ten to twenty minutes, requires urgent assessment (noting the time of the fits is important here). A doctor or the ambulance service should be notified.

[Previous Page] [Next Page] [Table of Contents/Search]