Fire epilepsy: what to know

The phrase may refer to epilepsy occurring while someone is cooking, near a candle, or exposed to fire, rather than a recognised seizure category. During a seizure, the person may lose awareness, stiffen, jerk or fall and cannot reliably protect themselves. Fire, hot surfaces and smoke create extra hazards. The cause of a seizure still needs medical assessment, especially after a first event or a change in an established pattern.

If it is safe, turn off the heat or move the flame away without putting yourself at risk. Keep others back, cushion the head, remove nearby hazards and loosen tight clothing around the neck. Do not restrain the person, put anything in their mouth, or give food, drink or medicine until they are fully alert. Once jerking stops, place them on their side, stay with them and note what happened. Use a prescribed rescue medicine only according to the person’s plan.

Call emergency services immediately if the seizure happened near fire, there are burns or smoke exposure, breathing does not return normally, the seizure repeats, injury is suspected, or the person does not regain awareness. Emergency help is also needed for a first seizure, a seizure lasting longer than the person’s care plan allows, or pregnancy or serious illness. Cool a minor burn with cool running water while help is coming; do not apply creams to a fresh burn.

Ask how to reduce cooking and flame risks, whether a rescue medicine is appropriate, when to call emergency services, and how family members should respond. A GP Consultation can help arrange assessment and referral.