This archive report was first published on 2 July 2020.
Seizure First Aid Tips During COVID-19 Pandemic ¶
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread, people with epilepsy and their caregivers are advised to take extra precautions to minimize the likelihood of seizure exacerbation.
According to the National Epilepsy Coordination Committee (NECC) National Secretary (Kenya), Fredrick Beuchi Mboya, guardians, parents, and people living with epilepsy should follow basic seizure first aid and make sure others around them know how to help when a seizure happens.
Basic seizure first aid includes staying calm and remaining with the person, keeping them safe and protecting them from injury, and rolling them to the side immediately if they have food or fluid in their mouth.
It is also essential to maintain a regular medication supply and prevent medication shortages. People with epilepsy and their families/caregivers should work to ensure that repeat prescriptions are available and consider maintaining a 3-month supply, where feasible.
Those with stimulus-induced 'reflex' epilepsies, such as photosensitive epilepsy, should discuss reducing or eliminating provocative stimuli with their healthcare provider.
People with epilepsy may be concerned about whether they are at higher risk of severe COVID-19, but in the absence of risk factors, such as old age, immobility, co-existent respiratory disease, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, severe heart disease, or immunosuppression, they are not at higher risk.
However, it is still essential for them to remain isolated from contacts and symptomatic individuals where possible.
- The writer is the National Epilepsy Coordination Committee (NECC) National Secretary (Kenya), and an Epilepsy Awareness ambassador
