Patient's question:
My youngest daughter has been experiencing muscle cramps ever since she started attending kindergarten. Is this a symptom of epilepsy?Doctor's answer:
Hello, epilepsy is a common neurological disease in clinical practice. Its clinical definition is: a chronic disease characterized by sudden abnormal discharges of brain neurons, leading to transient dysfunction of the brain. Seizures can cause physical harm to patients. During a seizure, the patient may experience rhythmic contractions of the entire body's muscles, and there is also a risk of biting their own tongue. If the seizure enters a persistent state, it can threaten the patient's life. In the early stages, patients may suddenly stop moving, stare blankly, appear mentally unwell, and have a blank expression, which can last from several minutes to several hours. Some patients may also chew unconsciously, drool, swallow, perform sucking movements, or feel nauseous. These symptoms are very obvious.Advice: Seizure episodes can be very dangerous, and this danger is not only due to the epilepsy itself but more so because of inappropriate first aid that causes physical pain to the patient. So, how should a seizure be handled during an emergency? Pay attention to the following points:
① During a seizure, quickly have the patient lie on their back without a pillow. Place a gauze-wrapped tongue depressor between their upper and lower teeth to prevent them from biting their tongue.
② Turn the patient's head to one side to allow saliva to drain out naturally, preventing aspiration pneumonia caused by saliva entering the airway. At the same time, lift the patient's lower jaw to prevent the tongue from blocking the airway due to the neck flexing. Loosen any tight clothing on the patient, such as ties or constricting garments. Also, remove any objects or furniture that could cause injury to prevent accidental harm.
③ Do not forcibly restrain the patient's shaking limbs, as this may cause injury (e.g., fractures). However, if there is breathing difficulties, continuous seizures, or injuries, the patient should be taken to the hospital immediately after the seizure.