Seizures can be a frightening experience, whether it’s happening to you or someone else. Knowing how to respond appropriately can make all the difference in ensuring the safety of the person having the seizure. At Community Neuroscience Services, we’re here to help you understand what seizures are, how to handle them, and what actions to avoid.
What is a Seizure?
A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled burst of electrical activity in the brain that can cause changes in behavior, movements, sensations, or levels of consciousness. They can last from a few seconds to a few minutes and vary widely in severity and presentation.
Some common types of seizures include:
- Generalized seizures: Affecting both sides of the brain, often involving loss of consciousness and muscle convulsions.
- Focal seizures: Affecting one area of the brain, which may result in strange sensations, repetitive movements, or altered awareness.
- Absence seizures: Brief episodes of staring or loss of awareness, more common in children.
Seizures can happen for many reasons, including epilepsy, head injuries, infections, metabolic disorders, or other medical conditions.
What to Do if Someone is Having a Seizure
If someone near you is having a seizure, your quick, calm actions can help keep them safe.
- Stay Calm
While it can be alarming, staying calm allows you to focus on helping the person. - Protect Them From Harm
- Gently guide them away from dangerous objects or areas, such as sharp edges or stairs.
- If possible, move furniture or items that could cause injury.
- Ease Them to the Ground
If they appear to be falling, gently guide them to the ground to prevent a hard fall. - Turn Them on Their Side
This helps keep their airway clear and prevents choking, especially if saliva or vomit is present. - Place Something Soft Under Their Head
A jacket, folded sweater, or other soft object can protect their head from injury. - Time the Seizure
Note how long the seizure lasts. If it continues for more than 5 minutes, call 911 immediately, as this could be a medical emergency. - Stay With Them
Reassure the person and remain with them until the seizure ends and they are fully conscious.
What NOT to Do During a Seizure
- Don’t Hold Them Down
Trying to restrain someone having a seizure can cause injuries to both you and them. Allow their body to move naturally. - Don’t Put Anything in Their Mouth
Despite a common myth, a person cannot swallow their tongue during a seizure. Putting objects in their mouth can cause choking or injuries to their teeth and jaw. - Don’t Try to Move Them Unless Necessary
Only move the person if they are in immediate danger, such as near traffic or water. - Don’t Attempt CPR
Seizures often involve temporary pauses in breathing, which resolve on their own. CPR is not needed unless the person does not resume breathing after the seizure ends. - Don’t Give Them Food or Drink
Wait until the person is fully alert and conscious before offering food, water, or medication.
When to Seek Emergency Help
Call 911 if:
- The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes.
- The person has multiple seizures in a row without regaining consciousness.
- They are injured during the seizure (e.g., from falling).
- The person is pregnant, has diabetes, or a known medical condition.
- It is their first-ever seizure.
After the Seizure
Once the seizure ends, the person may feel disoriented, confused, or exhausted. This is called the “postictal state.” Here’s how you can support them:
- Offer reassurance and stay with them until they are fully recovered.
- Speak calmly and avoid overwhelming them with questions.
- Encourage them to rest.
- If this is a new or unusual seizure, encourage them to see their neurologist.
We’re Here to Help
At Community Neuroscience Services, we understand how overwhelming seizures can be, both for the person experiencing them and for their loved ones. If you or someone you care about has seizures, we’re here to help with diagnosis, treatment, and education. Contact us to learn more about managing seizures and keeping your brain healthy and safe.
