A seizure is a sudden, temporary disruption of brain activity caused by abnormal electrical impulses. This can lead to changes in a person’s behavior, movements, feelings, and consciousness. Foaming at the mouth is a visually striking symptom sometimes associated with seizures. This article explains why foaming can occur and outlines practical steps to help someone experiencing a seizure.
The Phenomenon of Foaming
Foaming at the mouth is a symptom sometimes associated with generalized tonic-clonic seizures, formerly known as grand mal seizures. This frothy appearance occurs when the swallowing reflex becomes impaired, leading to saliva accumulation. Intense muscle contractions, including those for breathing, cause air to mix forcefully with this pooled saliva. The combination of air and excess saliva creates the foam-like substance. This is a noticeable sign, but not a universal symptom across all seizure types.
Understanding Seizures
A seizure represents a temporary episode of uncontrolled, abnormal electrical activity within the brain’s nerve cells. This electrical disturbance can originate in a specific area or affect both hemispheres. The manifestation of a seizure varies widely, depending on the affected brain part and how the activity spreads. While dramatic convulsions are often imagined, many seizures present with more subtle signs. Observable symptoms can include a temporary loss of consciousness, uncontrolled jerking movements, or sudden stiffening of the body. Other manifestations might involve staring spells, confusion, changes in sensation like unusual tastes or smells, or repetitive behaviors such as lip-smacking.
Providing Assistance During a Seizure
If you witness someone having a seizure, remaining calm is important. Ensure their safety by removing nearby objects that could cause injury and placing something soft, like a jacket, under their head. Loosen any tight clothing around their neck to aid breathing. Once movements stop, gently roll the person onto their side to help keep their airway clear.
Avoid certain actions during a seizure. Never attempt to restrain the person or stop their movements, as this can cause injury to both the individual and yourself. Do not place anything in their mouth during a seizure; a person cannot swallow their tongue, and inserting objects can cause dental injury or obstruct breathing. Do not offer food or water until the person is fully awake and alert.
Call emergency services if the seizure lasts longer than five minutes. Also seek immediate medical attention if it is the person’s first seizure, they have repeated seizures, sustain an injury, or experience difficulty breathing afterward. Special consideration is warranted if the seizure occurs in water, or if the individual is pregnant or diabetic.