Understanding Seizures and First Aid: How to Help Someone with Epilepsy

Seizures can be sudden, frightening events, especially if you don’t know what to expect or how to respond. For someone living with epilepsy, knowing that those around them understand seizure first aid can make a big difference in safety and support. In today’s article, we’ll explore the different types of seizures and provide simple, effective first-aid steps you can follow if you ever need to help someone having a seizure. 

What is a Seizure? 

A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled burst of electrical activity in the brain. This can cause a range of symptoms, from unusual behaviors to loss of consciousness. While most seizures last only a few seconds to a few minutes, they can look different depending on the type. 

People with epilepsy experience recurring seizures, but not everyone who has a seizure has epilepsy. Seizures can be caused by a variety of factors, including injury, illness, or extreme stress. 

Types of Seizures 

Understanding the different types of seizures can help you recognize what’s happening and provide the right kind of support. Seizures generally fall into two main categories: 

Generalized Seizures 

These affect both sides of the brain and often cause a complete loss of awareness. Here are a few types: 

• Tonic-Clonic Seizures (formerly “Grand Mal”): These are the most recognizable type, involving sudden muscle stiffening, jerking movements, and loss of consciousness. The person may fall to the ground and experience muscle contractions. 

• Absence Seizures: These are brief lapses in awareness that can last only a few seconds. They’re often mistaken for daydreaming, especially in children. 

• Atonic Seizures: The person may suddenly lose muscle control, causing them to collapse or fall. 

Focal (or Partial) Seizures 

These start in one area of the brain and may or may not spread. People having focal seizures might stay aware or lose awareness, depending on the type. 

• Focal Aware Seizures: The person remains aware but may experience unusual sensations, emotions, or movements. 

• Focal Impaired Awareness Seizures: These seizures can cause confusion, repetitive movements, or altered awareness. The person may seem unaware of their surroundings. 

Seizure First Aid: What to Do 

Witnessing a seizure can be unsettling, but knowing the right steps can help keep the person safe and reduce the risk of injury. Here are some basic first-aid guidelines for responding to a seizure: 

Stay Calm and Time the Seizure 

The first step is to remain calm and observe the seizure. If you can, check the time when the seizure starts. Most seizures end within a few minutes, but if it lasts longer than five minutes, you should call emergency services. 

Protect the Person from Injury 

• If the person is having a tonic-clonic seizure (convulsions), move any nearby objects that could harm them, like sharp furniture or items on the floor. 

• Place something soft, like a jacket, under their head to prevent head injury. 

• Avoid holding them down or trying to stop their movements; this could cause injury. 

Turn Them on Their Side 

Once the seizure movements have stopped, gently roll the person onto their side. This position helps keep their airway open and prevents choking, especially if they are drooling or vomiting. 

Don’t Put Anything in Their Mouth 

It’s a common myth that people having a seizure can swallow their tongue, but this isn’t true. Placing objects in their mouth can actually cause more harm, leading to injuries to the jaw or teeth. 

Stay with Them Until They’re Fully Alert 

Seizures can leave someone feeling confused, drowsy, or embarrassed. Stay with them until they are fully alert and oriented. Offer reassurance and avoid overwhelming them with questions immediately after the seizure. 

 Keep a Safe Distance, But Offer Comfort 

Crowding someone during or after a seizure can add to their distress. Encourage people around to give the person space, and offer comforting words as they come out of the seizure. 

When to Call for Emergency Help 

Most seizures don’t require emergency medical help, but you should call 911 if: 

• The seizure lasts longer than five minutes. 

• The person has repeated seizures without regaining consciousness in between. 

• The person is injured during the seizure. 

• They have trouble breathing or show signs of distress. 

• This is the person’s first seizure, or the cause is unknown. 

These situations can indicate a more serious event, and getting professional medical help is essential. 

Common Myths About Seizures 

There are several myths surrounding seizures and epilepsy. Here are a few to clear up any confusion: 

• Myth: People can swallow their tongue during a seizure. 

• Truth: It’s impossible to swallow the tongue. Putting objects in their mouth can be dangerous. 

• Myth: You should hold someone down during a seizure. 

• Truth: Holding someone down can lead to injury. It’s better to let the seizure run its course. 

• Myth: All seizures look the same. 

• Truth: Seizures come in different forms, not all of which involve convulsions or a loss of consciousness. 

• Myth: People with epilepsy can’t live normal lives. 

• Truth: With proper treatment and support, many people with epilepsy live full, active lives. 

Why Seizure First Aid Matters 

Knowing seizure first aid is a powerful way to support someone with epilepsy. Many people don’t receive help during a seizure because those around them don’t know how to respond. By learning these first-aid steps, you can make a real difference and help reduce the risk of injury. 

Encouraging friends, family, and coworkers to learn these basic steps creates a safer, more inclusive community for people living with epilepsy. 

Seizures can happen unexpectedly, but by learning and sharing seizure first aid, you can help those affected feel safer and more understood. This November, as part of Epilepsy Awareness Month, take time to learn and practice these skills, share your knowledge, and spread awareness. When we’re prepared, we can make a positive impact and help create a supportive environment for people with epilepsy. 

By following these simple first-aid steps, you can offer essential support to someone experiencing a seizure and promote better understanding of epilepsy. Every person who understands seizure first aid plays a role in reducing stigma and supporting epilepsy awareness.