Dealing with adult seizures in cars?

[ddr1166]

This may sound like a silly fear to some - but-

-- does anyone have advice or helpful tips on what to do (other than pull over, watch their head, etc...) when your adult husband has a seizure in the car? For example, the last one he had two days ago was in 100 degree heat, but because he was flailing and trying to grab things (the rear view mirror, the gear shift), I was afraid he'd throw the running car into drive and we'd plow into the bank (we were in the parking lot by the bank front door). So I turned off the ignition, but then with the gasping of air in the car (at 100 degrees), I thought it best to turn the car back on.

Does this happen to others and what do you do? I'm also wondering if what he thought was car sickness as a child was an auro precursor-type symptom.

Also, I'm afraid to travel too much on freeways, as we have almost zero notice and there may not be a safe place to pull over.

Thanks much, D in Texas

 

[PhylisFeinerJohnson]

That's a pretty awful situation. Does your husband have any auras or warning signs? Are there any specific triggers that you know of? I have to admit, I'd be terrified. (Maybe that's why my husband won't drive with me!)

 

[ddr1166]

Yes - we have about a 15-20 second warning, which is good. So if I stay on the side roads, I figure I can pull over in time somewhere.

 

[PhylisFeinerJohnson]

Whew. That's not much time, unless you're a race car driver!!!

 

[ddr1166]

Well, not yet, but maybe I'd better work on that!

 

[valeriedl]

Luckily the only time I had a seizure in the car I was with my husband. I just stared into space and started drooling. We were only a few miles from home so he just kept driving. We made it home ok.

 

[matchu]

hey, Texas here to, What I do is pull over and flail away. I had a few a weel ago and had a freind drive me home.

 

[PiscatawayFlash]

As the driver, if you get a long enough aura, pull over, slam it in park andpull the keys and toss them. I have had tonic-clonic on a 35mph main road in South Orange NJ (South Orange Ave) and a Simple one on 80/90 on my way from Chicago to South Bend. Both times went as good as possible.

I have not had a seizure as a passenger of a car, but letting the window down would be a good idea and making sure they dont whack their head.

 

[ddr1166]

Thanks Piscataway -

"As the driver, if you get a long enough aura, pull over, slam it in park andpull the keys and toss them."

Very good - if someone has seizures, if they can do this in time and throw the keys away, it's unlikely they'll find them and try to start the car (they may try to throw it in gear or get out of the car, but hopefully not move the car). This is very good.

Also maybe put on the emergency brake if time (or run out of time). Thanks, D

 

[Crystal11]

I had a seizure while outside with my O&M teacher for the blind, and she helped me to the car and put the seatbelt on and drove me home- but I don't remember it.
Then recently in D.C., I had a seizure and people were trying to force me to eat cookies after I started returning to normal. I didn't do anything with them but hold them in my hand. I just didn't understand what to do with it I guess.
I got to my dorm with the help of my interpreters and I slept for two hours. Sleep problems with the trigger big time.
I was sad too. My teacher and interpreter told me to stay home, but I was an adult and can make the choice myself. My group of friends asked if I wanted to go out and eat with them and I said yes, but then I said no after not feeling well still. my teacher was happy about it but I wasn't because it made me feel that I couldn't take care of myself or I wasn't able to according to them- like I was a child needing to be looked after.

Anyway- sorry off topic here a little. If a person has a seizure in the car, the best thing to do, in my opinion would be to pull over and make sure they are okay.
If the aura is that short, you might ask ahead of time how he feels- maybe that could be an indication of a seizure to come later..
My roommate has seizuer as well but hers are GMs and sometimes she is moody before hers and I can tell.
Boy, those are scary.
I have complex partials and I do have auras- so to me, its a benefit.

Talk to his neuro or doctor and ask if there is anything special you could do to help out. There may not be anything specific on how to deal with that type situation because each person's seizures are different. I think what you are doing is good.

Take care and be safe.
Crystal