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Warning-sign checks

Lennox-gastaut syndrome: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services if:

    • A seizure lasts five minutes or longer, unless the action plan gives another threshold
    • Seizures repeat without the person returning to their usual level of awareness
    • Breathing is difficult, the lips turn blue or grey, or recovery is unusually slow
    • A seizure happens in water
    • There is a serious head injury or other major injury
    • It is the person’s first known seizure
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange prompt, non-emergency review if seizures become more frequent, a new seizure type appears, recovery changes, or medicines cause concerning side effects.

    Developmental regression, new swallowing problems, repeated falls, worsening sleep, or major behavior changes also need assessment.

    Routine follow-up is used to review treatment, growth, learning, safety equipment, and support needs.

    Pregnancy planning should be discussed in advance because some antiseizure medicines can affect pregnancy and must not be changed without specialist guidance.

The article also says

During a convulsive seizure, protect the head, move nearby hazards, and time the seizure.

Do not restrain the person or put anything in their mouth.

When it is safe, turn them onto their side to help keep the airway clear.

Follow the individual action plan and use rescue medicine only as instructed.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Lennox-gastaut syndrome. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.