By Matthew Denis
Dr Shola Aina of Lifecare Hospital, Ilorin, has cautioned against inserting hard objects into the mouths of convulsing patients.
Aina who spoke with newsmen in Ilorin, explained that the insertion of hard objects in the mouth of a convulsing person does more harm than good, as it could damage the teeth, cause aspirations or even death.
The medical expert suggested alternative methods of handling a convulsing patient.
“The first thing to do once seizure is noticed, is to ensure that the environment is safe, and not try to restrain the victim as it can cause fracture.
“Lay the person down on a flat surface and remove all tight clothing around the head or neck, like ties or necklace, and check if the victim is still breathing.
“Make sure the victim is in a relaxed position and move to the hospital as soon as possible for proper evaluation,” he said.
Aina further noted that although, high fever is a major cause of convulsion in children within the ages of 6 months to 5 years, it is best to visit the hospital even after the convulsion has stopped in order to ascertain the underlying cause.
“Ascertaining the cause will make the parent or care giver to know the symptoms to watch out for and things to avoid, in order not to trigger it again”, he added.
Convulsion is an abnormal violent and involuntary contraction of the muscles which results in uncontrolled actions of the body.
