Dr Chris Aminarh Explains Epilepsy, Seizures and How to Respond Safely

Epilepsy is widely misunderstood and often misrepresented, leading to persistent stigma and fear. Speaking on The Big Convo, Dr Chris Aminarh breaks down the medical facts behind epilepsy, seizures and the appropriate safety response.

According to Dr Chris Aminarh, the primary focus during a seizure should be safety, not restraint. Recommended first-aid measures include removing sharp or dangerous objects from the person’s vicinity and where possible, placing them on their side to maintain an open airway.

Notably, individuals experiencing a seizure should not be restrained and nothing should be placed in their mouths. The seizure should be allowed to run its course. Emergency medical services should be contacted if the seizure lasts longer than a few minutes, if multiple seizures occur without recovery in between or if it is the individual’s first known seizure.

He also mentioned that with appropriate medical care, many people living with epilepsy lead whole and productive lives. Treatment commonly involves long-term medication, which can significantly reduce seizure frequency and in some cases, eliminate seizures. However, medical professionals strongly caution against discontinuing medication without supervision, as this can lead to a recurrence of seizures.

For centuries, epilepsy has been widely misunderstood, often attributed to spiritual causes, curses or moral failings. Modern science has firmly established epilepsy as a neurological condition resulting from abnormal electrical activity in the brain, not a mental illness or supernatural affliction.

Ongoing public education remains vital to dismantling stigma and ensuring that individuals experiencing seizures receive care, empathy and support rather than fear or discrimination.