We're here to dispel the myth that CRUMBS is contagious and plea for compassion for dozens of people like Haley who live with the discomfort and humiliation of CRUMBS everyday.
We've put together a list of tips in case a loved-one has a monkey bar episode.**
1- Stay calm.
2- Prevent injury.
During the episode, you can exercise your common sense by insuring there is nothing within reach that could harm the person if she struck it.
3- Keep onlookers away.
4- Do not hold the person down.
5- If the person thrashes around there is no need for you to restrain them. Remember to consider your safety as well.
6- Do not put anything in the person's mouth.
7- Contrary to popular belief, the person is incapable of swallowing their tongue so you can breathe easy in the knowledge that you do not have to stick your fingers into the mouth of someone in this condition.
8- Do not give the person water, pills, or food until fully alert.
9- If the episode continues for longer than five minutes, call 911.
10- Be sensitive and supportive, and ask others to do the same.
*CRUMBS: Chronic Raging Unbearable Monkey Bar Syndrome.
**This list was adapted from a "What to do when someone has a seizure" list. CRUMBS is very similar to epilepsy in many ways.
