Why do people smell socks during an epileptic attack? Does this really cure the patient?

Epilepsy Attack Treatment Myth: Often times, whenever someone has an epileptic attack, people immediately start smelling shoes, slippers or socks. Some people put a spoon in the mouth, while others try to give water. These old methods are still adopted today. People consider these as part of treatment. But most people question whether smelling socks or shoes really stops epileptic attacks or is it just a myth.

According to doctors, Epilepsy is a neurological problem related to the brain, in which brain activity suddenly becomes abnormal. In such a situation, the patient may get tremors, may become unconscious or may start staring for a few seconds. But with proper treatment, most of the patients can be cured, so let us know today why people smell their socks during an epileptic attack and whether the patient really gets cured by this.

Why do people smell their socks during an epileptic attack?

Since ancient times, this method has been prevalent among the people that in case of an epileptic attack, the patient regains consciousness by smelling his shoe, slipper or sock, but according to doctors, this is just a myth and has no scientific connection with the treatment. In most cases, an epileptic attack ends on its own within a few seconds to 1-2 minutes. In such a situation, if during this time someone makes the patient smell a shoe or a sock and after some time the patient becomes normal, then people assume that he has recovered because of this. Whereas the patient becomes normal due to the completion of the natural time of the attack.

Does this really cure the patient?

In case of epilepsy, the patient does not get cured by smelling shoes, slippers or socks. Epilepsy is a brain disease in which neurons start sending excessive electrical signals simultaneously. Due to this, the normal functioning of the brain stops for some time and the person may suffer a seizure. Epileptic seizures usually resolve on their own within a few seconds to 1-2 minutes. During a seizure, the patient may experience strong tremors in his arms and legs, he may fall unconscious, his body may become stiff or he may keep looking in the same direction for a few seconds without any reaction. This disease can occur at any age and there can be many reasons behind it. Such as severe head injury, high fever, stroke, brain infection, lack of oxygen, very low or high blood sugar, brain tumor or in some cases genetic reasons.

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What symptoms appear during an epilepsy attack?

Symptoms may be different in every patient. Generally, these include sudden fainting, strong jerks in arms and legs, feeling of stiffness in the body, foaming at the mouth, clenching of the jaw, staring blankly for a few seconds, falling down due to dizziness and feeling confused or tired after the seizure.

What should be done in case of an epileptic attack?

1. Make the patient lie on his side – Make the patient lie on his side in a safe place. With this, the saliva or foam accumulated in the mouth will come out easily and there will be no problem in breathing.

2. Remove dangerous things from around – Remove chairs, tables, sharp or sharp objects placed around the patient, so that he does not get hurt.

3. Loosen the clothes – If the upper buttons of the shirt are closed or the clothes are too tight, then loosen them a little.

4. Note the time of the visit – Note how long the visit lasted. If the seizure continues for more than 5 minutes, take him to the hospital immediately.

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Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.

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