✗ The myth everyone repeats
Kids were taught to be careful not to swallow their tongues, as it would cause them to choke and die, especially during a seizure.
✓ What is actually true
You cannot swallow your own tongue. Your tongue is anchored to the floor of your mouth and connected to your pharynx, making swallowing it physically impossible. During a seizure, your tongue might move toward your airway, but it won't block it or become 'swallowed.' Never put anything in a seizing person's mouth, modern first aid recommends placing them in recovery position instead.
Reception
The receipts 3 sources
- Wikipedia: TonguePRIMARY
- Snopes: Swallow Tongue MythREFERENCE
- Mayo Clinic: Seizure First AidREFERENCE