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Epilepsy: first aid during a seizure and daily life
epileptic seizure · seizure first aid · what to do during a seizure · living with epilepsy
Epilepsy is a condition with repeated seizures. Medicines help most people. It is important for family and friends to know how to help during a seizure.
For people with epilepsy, their family, teachers, and coworkers.
⏱ Duration: a seizure usually lasts 1 to 3 minutes
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Medicines. Take them every day at the same time. Do not stop or change the dose on your own.
- Diary. Write down seizures: the date, the time, and how long they lasted.
- Triggers. Lack of sleep, alcohol, and missed pills often bring on a seizure.
What to bring
- A seizure diary
- A list of your medicines
- A video of a seizure, if relatives managed to film one
How it goes
- During a seizure, stay calm and note the time
- Move hard and sharp objects away
- Put something soft under the head
- Do not hold the person down or put anything in their mouth
- When the jerking stops, turn the person onto their side
- Stay with them until they are fully back to normal
What you'll feel
- After a seizure the person is often sleepy and confused, which is normal
- A headache and sore muscles are possible
Afterwards
- Write the seizure in the diary
- Do not swim alone or bathe in a tub unsupervised
- Whether you may drive is your doctor's decision
Contact a doctor straight away if
- A seizure lasting more than 5 minutes: call emergency services
- One seizure after another and the person does not come round: call emergency services
- A seizure in water, with an injury, in pregnancy, or the first one: call emergency services
- Trouble breathing after a seizure: call emergency services
Common questions
Is it true you should hold the tongue?
No. Put nothing in the mouth, since you can break teeth and cause injury.
Can I work and study with epilepsy?
Yes, most people live a normal life. Your doctor will tell you about any limits.