First aid for seizures

Normal brain function is made possible by millions of tiny electrical charges passing across nerve cells in the brain and to all parts of the body. In a seizure, this normal pattern may be interrupted by intermittent bursts of electrical energy that are much more intense than usual. These 'storms' affect the delicate systems responsible for the brain's electrical energy, and may affect a person's consciousness, awareness, movement and bodily posture for a short time. Normal brain function cannot return until the electrical bursts subside. Epilepsy is the tendency to have repeated seizures.

Seizures can be frightening to witness but they are not usually a medical emergency. In most cases once the seizure stops, their breathing returns to normal and the person should make a swift recovery. 

This information is particularly relevant for tonic clonic seizures where the person shakes or jerks.

How to help if someone has a seizure

  • Stay with the person
  • Time the seizure
  • Only move them if they are in danger
  • Cushion their head if they are on the ground
  • Do not restrain the person
  • Do not put anything in the mouth
  • Loosen anything tight around the neck
  • Roll the person his/her side as the seizure subsides
  • After the seizure, talk to the person reassuringly

If in doubt always contact the emergency services for help and guidance

When to call an ambulance

  • If it's the first time the person has had a seizure
  • If the seizure last 5 minutes or longer (status epilepticus)
  • The person doesn't regain full consciousness
  • The person has several seizures without regaining consciousness
  • The person is seriously injured during the seizure

TYPES OF EPILEPSY