The Minster Practice, Lichfield

Epilepsy

Key first aid information to carry in your pocket

	Never put anything in my mouth when I am having a seizure. You could easily damage my teeth.
	Don't restrict my movements unless you are moving me from a dangerous location e.g. the edge of a swimming pool or near moving traffic
	Protect my head with something soft
	Call an ambulance if a seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, appears different to my usual seizure (see the notes I have made here**), I stop breathing, I am injured or you are at all unsure what to do
	Stay with me until I have recovered
	If I have collapsed, place me in the recovery position when the seizure is over as this will help me to breathe ** Notes to make about your seizure may include: During a seizure I usually... (e.g. fall, move about aimlessly, appear to daydream etc) After a seizure I usually... (e.g. need to sleep, have problems talking etc) My seizures usually last................minutes

	Around 70% of people with epilepsy can achieve seizure control through medication
	50% of people who have a seizure will never have another
	Around 400,000 people in the UK have epilepsy
	Seizures can mean an increased risk of accidents and, although uncommon, seizures can cause premature death
	Understanding your epilepsy is the best way to control the risks and get the most out of life Key steps to take if you have epilepsy
	Find out more about epilepsy (see below)
	Keep a diary of your seizures and anything that you think may trigger your seizures
	Take sensible steps to reduce any risks
	Talk to your family and friends - help them understand epilepsy and how to help you Sources of information Epilepsy Action www.epilepsy.org.uk 0808 800 5050 National Society for Epilepsy www.epilepsynse.org.uk 01494 601 400