Most people are very much aware of what a tonic clonic seizure is. Whether it is a child or adult the care is the same regardless of age. With a "tonic clonic" seizure a person will lose consciousness, fall to the ground and shake violently. It is most important you keep the individual safe by placing soft material under the head, moving sharp objects, not placing anything in their mouth, help lay them on their side and let them be. Call 911 and seek medical attention immediately.
A petit mal is sometimes slightly more complicated. The seizure in itself is usually unnoticeable. A person could just seem like they are daydreaming. Staring episodes are common and it may seem like a lack of interest during conversation or activity. A person may not know what had just occurred and will just "come back" to reality quickly. Sometimes when a person comes out of a seizure they behavior can be bizarre. When I would awake after a seizure when I was in college, I would walk around aimlessly picking up random items and speak words like "I need these and these". My behavior was similar to that of a baby trying to show these treasures to their Mom. It was as if my brain was rebooting itself. Traveling through my life quickly beginning as a baby to where I was at that very moment in time. After every seizure I would grow up again and again for varying amounts of time five minutes to an hour and trying to find my way to my parents house. My only advice is to protect this person gently the way you would your own child. Don't become combative yet try to help restrain them. We can be extremely resourceful in finding ways to steps, out doors, or into windows as depth perception and seeing can be misconstrued. Try to contain them comfortably in one room and wait until they "come to" again.
My friends thought my gaze and weird staring was just me "acting crazy" and or being funny and they didn't know how to react. At the time I didn't know what I was experiencing, nor did my family, so it would have been hard to alert people. I wish I had some knowledge back then. If teachers, friends, and family would have the conversation of warning signs or awareness, maybe it wouldn't be so strange, scary or weird. Unfortunately most have the conversation too late. Regardless of knowledge many people are too inhibited to discuss the subject at all. It may be due to embarrassment, insult, or anything in between for any party. This actually is an important subject which is a topic of it's own and I plan to discuss this on my next blog.
I hope in some way this information could help others to be more aware. The behavior of people after a seizure varies. Your actions may need to vary also. Just know your friend or stranger will appreciate your help!
