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[United News Network Reporter Chen Huihui / Taipei Report]
Should epilepsy patients be rushed to the hospital for treatment when they have a seizure? Shi Maoxiong, a neurologist at Taipei Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, said, "This is a misconception." He explained that epileptic seizures rarely last more than five minutes, and unless the patient hits their head on a hard object and gets injured, or has three seizures within half an hour, there is no need to rush to the hospital.
Many people mistakenly believe that during an epileptic seizure, they should open the patient's mouth and insert items like spoons or chopsticks to prevent them from biting their tongue. However, once the jaw is clenched, it is crucial not to force it open, as this could cause the patient's front teeth to break or fall out, or lead to suffocation if the tongue blocks the airway. Before the jaw clenches, a handkerchief can be placed between the molars (not the front teeth) to prevent airway obstruction.
The Taiwan Epilepsy Association noted that many patients complain of feeling tired and sleepy after taking medication, and some also report that their cognitive abilities are affected, making their thinking slower.
Shi Maoxiong advised patients to communicate with their doctors if they experience discomfort after taking medication, and to consider reducing the dosage rather than abruptly stopping the medication. Based on his clinical experience, he recommends avoiding high doses of medication whenever possible.
Shi Maoxiong mentioned that if a patient has been seizure-free for two to five years while on medication, they might consider reducing their dosage. However, he generally does not recommend this approach, as one-third to one-half of patients experience a relapse after stopping medication. It is best to discuss the possibility of reducing medication with a doctor first.
Source: http://tw. news. yahoo. com/ 060722/ 15/ 3dok0. html
Do Not Force Open Jaw during Seizure
Should epilepsy patients be rushed to the hospital for treatment when they have a seizure? Shi Maoxiong, a neurologist at Taipei Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, said, "This is a misconception." He explained that epileptic seizures rarely last more than five minutes, and unless the patient hits their head on a hard object and gets injured, or has three seizures within half an hour, there is no need to rush to the hospital.
Many people mistakenly believe that during an epileptic seizure, they should open the patient's mouth and insert items like spoons or chopsticks to prevent them from biting their tongue. However, once the jaw is clenched, it is crucial not to force it open, as this could cause the patient's front teeth to break or fall out, or lead to suffocation if the tongue blocks the airway. Before the jaw clenches, a handkerchief can be placed between the molars (not the front teeth) to prevent airway obstruction.
The Taiwan Epilepsy Association noted that many patients complain of feeling tired and sleepy after taking medication, and some also report that their cognitive abilities are affected, making their thinking slower.
Shi Maoxiong advised patients to communicate with their doctors if they experience discomfort after taking medication, and to consider reducing the dosage rather than abruptly stopping the medication. Based on his clinical experience, he recommends avoiding high doses of medication whenever possible.
Shi Maoxiong mentioned that if a patient has been seizure-free for two to five years while on medication, they might consider reducing their dosage. However, he generally does not recommend this approach, as one-third to one-half of patients experience a relapse after stopping medication. It is best to discuss the possibility of reducing medication with a doctor first.
Source: http://tw. news. yahoo. com/ 060722/ 15/ 3dok0. html