Can You Swallow Your Tongue? (Plus Seizure First Aid)

Can You Swallow Your Tongue?

You might have heard someone say, “Careful, you might swallow your tongue.” Although it’s an alarming expression, there’s no truth behind it.

Swallowing your tongue is physically impossible. It’s tethered to the floor of our mouths by a small band of tissue called the lingual frenulum. Additionally, there are several muscles attached to the tongue that control movement.

So, while a seizure or fainting spell can cause your tongue to relax, it won’t let you swallow your tongue. 

Where Does the Phrase Come From?

When you experience a seizure or fainting spell, the muscles in your throat can relax. This might cause the tongue to partially block the airway, making breathing difficult.

However, a blocked airway isn’t the same as completely swallowing your tongue. This common misunderstanding has led to some potentially harmful first-aid practices, such as forcing objects into someone’s mouth when they’re having a seizure.

Can You Choke On Your Tongue?

While you’re not exactly swallowing your tongue, it can interfere with breathing. This is especially true for people with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

When the tongue and other oral muscles relax during sleep, they can slide back toward the throat and partially or completely block the airway. This is why people with sleep apnea snore and make choking sounds in their sleep.

First Aid Practices for Seizures

If someone is experiencing a seizure, the best action is to gently roll them onto their side and call for medical help. This helps keep the airway clear and prevents saliva or vomit from obstructing their breathing.

Remember, the primary goal during a seizure is to keep the person safe and protect them from injury. Here are other first-aid practices for seizures:

• Stay calm
• Take note of the start time and duration of the seizure
• Remove any objects that could cause injury if the person moves around during the seizure
• If possible, gently cushion the person’s head with a soft object like a pillow or folded jacket
• Do not try to hold the person down or put anything in their mouth

Once the seizure has ended, gently roll the person onto their back if they haven’t already done so. Let them rest and reassure them as they regain consciousness.

When Should You Seek Medical Help?

Most seizures are not medical emergencies, but there are situations where you should call for help:

• If the seizure lasts longer than five minutes
• If the person has multiple seizures without regaining consciousness in between
• If the person is injured during the seizure
• If the person has difficulty breathing after the seizure
• If this is the person’s first seizure

How to Prevent a Seizure

While not all seizures can be prevented, there are some measures you can take to reduce the risk:

• Medication adherence — If the person has a history of seizures, it’s important to ensure that they’re taking their prescribed medication regularly as directed by their doctor.
• Identify triggers — Identifying and avoiding triggers can help decrease the frequency of seizures. Some examples of triggers include stress, lack of sleep, flashing lights, etc.
• Regular check-ups — Regular medical check-ups are essential to monitor the underlying condition causing the seizures and adjust treatment plans if necessary.