A person with a seizure should be helped to lie down if he or she is not already down. The area around the epileptic should be kept clear of people and objects that could cause injury. This kind of action could result in injury to the victim as well as to the rescuer. If the victim appears to be choking, he or she should be turned onto his or her side with the face down to prevent obstruction of the airway. Medical assistance should be requested.
Epilepsy produces changes in the brain's electrical activity.
These irregularities can be monitored by electrodes that are attached to the head. An electroencephalograph records the electrical activity for medical evaluation. The wave forms shown here indicate differences in voltage from different parts of the brain. Inc. All Rights Reserved. From The World Book Rush-Presbyterian St. Luke's Medical Center Medical Encyclopedia .