Every day is #PurpleDay around here. As much as I loved seeing beautiful purple blouses and cool posters all in the name of epilepsy awareness, I didn’t see too much of the awareness being backed up. With that in mind, I spent yesterday researching and putting together some information that I felt was missing on my Newsfeed.
In true Jen fashion, I researched and created my own epilepsy awareness info graphic that highlights some stats, different kinds of seizures and most importantly, seizure first aid.
As many of you already know, my younger guy was diagnosed with epilepsy at just four months old. Since then, epilepsy has turned our world upside down. With much thanks to excellent resources, support and the best medical care, this isn’t anything we can’t handle.
This is the face of epilepsy.
J has frontal lobe epilepsy that is controlled by a cocktail of anti-seizure meds. Epilepsy is an evil, but silent condition that, for us, can be maintained with medication and frequent medical care. Like many people who have epilepsy, my guy’s seizures are kept at bay when medicine levels are managed and triggers are monitored.
Unfortunately, breakthrough seizures can happen at any time. So, it’s my hope to share seizure first aid with any and everyone, not just for my guy, but for the kid down the street, the student in school or even the stranger on the train platform.
My most important recommendation, should you come in contact with anyone who has a seizure: remain calm. I can’t stress this enough. As terrifying as a tonic-clonic seizure may look, time is of the essence. Make sure the person is safe, their airway is clear and bystanders are gawking from a distance. 1-3 minutes for a seizure is typical, and trust me, it feels like a lifetime.
Never ever put anything into a person’s mouth during a seizure. Move any harmful objects, cushion their head if they’re on the ground and don’t restrain them.
I wanted to spread more awareness, so I created this. I know I can’t be with my kid 24-7, so it’s my hope that with awareness, he’d receive proper attention. With that, please share and spread this info!
P.s. not sure why #9 got cut off, but it appears just fine in the original version. Just click here.