Following an epileptic seizure, it is generally not necessary to call an ambulance except in the following cases:

1. The seizure lasts more than 5 minutes;
2. The person is injured;
3. The seizure occurs in water;
4. Seizures occur successively without returning to normal;
5. The person does not regain consciousness after the seizure ends;
6. Breathing does not return to normal after the seizure ends;
7. The person regains consciousness after the seizure, but remains confused for more than an hour afterward;
8. The person having the seizure is pregnant or diabetic.
9. It is the person’s first observed seizure.

According to the Société de l’Assurance Automobile du Québec, an epilepsy diagnosis does not necessarily represent an obstacle to driving a motor vehicle, provided that the epilepsy is controlled. If this is not the case, one must generally go through a 6-month seizure-free period before being able to apply to the
SAAQ
to obtain or reobtain their driver’s license (for a passenger vehicle).

It should also be noted that the applicant must also submit to the SAAQ a medical certificate issued by a neurologist and declare any change in their health status that could affect driving.

In approximately 70% of people with epilepsy,
the application of pharmacological treatment can control seizures
. Thus, despite the persistence of neurological dysfunction, medication helps reduce the impact of epilepsy on an individual’s life.

However, in approximately 30% of cases, epilepsy remains refractory to medication. This means that pharmacological treatment is insufficient to adequately control seizures. In such cases, surgery aimed at better seizure control may be considered.

Not all epilepsies are disabilities. Epilepsies whose seizures are well controlled by treatment and without associated disorders do not constitute a disability. Conversely, any active epilepsy constitutes a disability.

No, it is physically impossible to swallow one’s tongue.

However, after
a tonic-clonic seizure
, muscle relaxation may occur. The tongue may then fall back towards the throat and obstruct the airways. This is why it is important to place the person in
recovery position
. This will also prevent them from choking if they vomit or regurgitate.

You should NEVER put an object in the mouth of a person having an epileptic seizure. This could cause serious injuries to them or injure the person attempting to help them.

Instead, proceed as follows:

1. Remove dangerous objects;
2. Loosen anything tight around the neck (tie, scarf, etc.);
3. Remove their glasses;
4. Place a cushion or folded garment under their head;
5. Gently turn them onto their side into the recovery position.

Do not attempt to restrain the person. Prioritize their safety by applying basic rules. However, moving them may be necessary if there is immediate danger.

Epilepsy is not fatal in itself. However, death can occur accidentally, for example, in case of a fall or drowning. In very rare cases, a person living with epilepsy may die suddenly without apparent cause. This phenomenon is called ” sudden unexpected death in epilepsy” (SUDEP). It occurs in
approximately 1 in 1000 adults and 1 in 4500 children
.

Cardiac rhythm dysfunction caused by electrical discharges in the brain and respiratory arrest during the seizure could be partially responsible for this.