It's a widespread misconception that someone can swallow their tongue if they're having a seizure, are unconscious, or falling asleep. But if the tongue closes the throat, these incidents may make it difficult for someone to breathe.
Putting something in someone's mouth to avoid them from swallowing their tongue is one of the first things you should do if you observe them having a seizure, right? Wrong. The truth is that your well-intentioned gesture can endanger the person you are trying to aid.
A person cannot swallow the tongue. The tissue in your mouth below your tongue retains it in place even though you lose a lot of muscle control during a seizure. The possibility exists that a person may bite their tongue even though their tongue doesn't move much when having a seizure. When having a seizure, people risk suffering severe injuries if they have anything in their mouth. Avoid hurting or causing someone to choke on an object by not attempting to put anything in their mouth when they are experiencing a seizure.
How to provide first aid during a seizure
You may do several things to keep someone safe while having a seizure, even though you shouldn't put anything in their mouth at that time. A grand mal (tonic-clonic) seizure normally comprises two phases and lasts one to three minutes.
The tonic action causes a person to lose consciousness and risk falling. As the air is driven out of their lungs and rigid chest muscles can lead to restricted respiration, they may appear to be struggling to breathe. They could bite their tongue while foaming at the mouth. When clonic activity is present, jerking movements can occur. It should take one to three minutes for the seizure to end.
You can aid in a person's protection during a seizure by using the following advice:
- Help them gently to the ground.
- Get rid of the furniture and other items in the vicinity.
- Try not to keep them still.
- Carefully place them in the recovery posture on their side.
- To reduce head injuries, put something soft under the person's head.
- Seizures should be timed.
- Remove the person's spectacles if they are wearing them.
- Adjust the person's tie, collar, and neck jewellery if necessary because these items could restrict their ability to breathe.
- In the event that the seizure lasts more than five minutes, it is crucial to dial 911 or the local emergency number. Check to determine if the person is wearing an emergency tag by looking at their wrist or neck. If it says so on their tag, get emergency assistance.
As soon as the person's seizure is done and they are awake, stay by their side. Once they're awake, it can take them a while before they can speak again.
Following the seizure
Help the client sit down in a secure location once they have been seizure-free for several minutes. Tell them calmly that they've had a seizure when they can communicate with you and understand you.
Be composed. Reassure the sufferer and anyone else nearby who saw the seizure.
To help the person who experienced a seizure travel home safely, see if you can call a cab or another someone.
Conclusion
Contrary to popular belief, a seizure does not necessarily cause a person to swallow their tongue. A person experiencing a seizure should never have anything placed in their mouth since it could suffocate or hurt them. Someone may benefit much in the future from understanding what actually occurs during a seizure and how to respond. You might one day be needed to assist because seizures are rather common.
