Epileptic Seizure

 What one needs to do when in a company of someone having an epileptic seizure

During a celebration dinner at a grade school campus, I struck up an impromptu conversation with a young grade schoolteacher about their curriculum. I was drinking wine, and he was drinking water from a glass while seated. 

A few minutes later, he told me he was dizzy while grasping the edge of a round table. I suspected there was a moderate earthquake, but there was none. I thought he was joking, but it was clear he was not. Then it occurred to me: it could be a heart attack.

He sat firmly, stared into my eyes, held my arms, and asked for his glass of water. He said, "kalma lang!" 

After a few moments, he stood up and left, joining his colleagues on the other side of the hall, leaving his cell phone on the table.

"What could it be?" I asked, puzzled.

I strolled across the room to inform one of his female colleagues whether the newest member of the faculty had a medical condition and if there was a medic on the premises. She claimed she'd watch after him.

Several minutes later, I motioned for the schoolteacher at the other side of the hall, who was looking better, to come over. He then revealed to me his medical condition. 

He recently suffered an epileptic episode telling me remembering everything (important to note).  His first attack was during the pandemic. His last seizure occurred during a basketball game.

I asked him if he had seen a doctor, as I have no knowledge on seizures. He answered yes and is currently taking medication, but he has been asked to undergo an MRI.

He already has a PWD ID and has been working only for a year after graduation, but he still needs to earn funds for his medical procedure.

I was shocked learning this. With no medical background, I felt helpless in a condition like this. I don't even know his name.

Reaching home, I researched on the condition which generally stated that:

1. Person with the patient experiencing seizure must remain calm. Showing panic can aggravate the situation.

2. Time the seizure. Beyond 5 minutes is already an emergency situation needing hospitalization.

3. Movement and mouth should remain free and not controlled.

As I checked my reaction against the guides, I responded appropriately, and it was mainly because the schoolteacher prompted me before the seizure not to panic.

I was glad that the seizure of the schoolteacher I struck a short conversation with was just mild. But I pray that he gets support for a thorough medical examination from a neurologist.