Watching someone have a seizure can be frightening. Many people panic because they don’t know how to respond. Some try to hold the person down. Others try to put something in their mouth. Unfortunately, these reactions can sometimes cause more harm than help.
So the most important question is: What should you do during a seizure?
Knowing the right steps can protect the person from injury and even save a life. At Sedna Hospital, we believe awareness about epilepsy and seizure first aid is essential for every family, school, and workplace. In this blog, we answer common questions about epilepsy and clearly explain what should you do during a seizure in a calm, practical way.
Understanding Seizures and Epilepsy
Before discussing what should you do during a seizure, it’s important to understand what a seizure actually is. A seizure happens when there is sudden, abnormal electrical activity in the brain. This can cause:
- Uncontrolled movements
- Staring spells
- Loss of awareness
- Muscle stiffness or sudden collapse
Epilepsy is a condition where a person has repeated, unprovoked seizures. Not every seizure means epilepsy. Triggers can include high fever (especially in children), head injury, low blood sugar, infections, or lack of sleep. At Sedna Hospital, our neurology team carefully evaluates the cause before diagnosis.
What Should You Do During a Seizure?
If someone is having a seizure, here is the protocol you must follow:
Right Response Steps:
- Stay Calm: Your calmness helps others remain calm. Most seizures stop within 1–2 minutes.
- Protect Them from Injury: Guide them away from traffic or sharp objects. Move furniture or hard objects.
- Cushion Their Head: Place something soft (like a folded cloth) under their head.
- Turn Them on Their Side: Gently roll them over to keep the airway clear and prevent choking.
- Loosen Clothing: Loosen collars, ties, or scarves around the neck.
- Time the Seizure: Note how long it lasts. This is critical information for doctors.
- Stay with Them: Remain until they are fully awake and aware.
What You Should NOT Do
Important Warnings:
- Do not hold the person down or stop their movements.
- Do not put anything in their mouth. (The myth about swallowing tongues is NOT true).
- Do not give food or water during the seizure.
- Do not try to perform CPR unless they aren't breathing after the seizure stops.
When Should You Call Emergency Services?
While most seizures stop on their own, you should call emergency medical help immediately if:
- The seizure lasts more than 5 minutes.
- Another seizure starts immediately.
- The person has difficulty breathing or is injured.
- It is their first seizure or they are pregnant/diabetic.
- The seizure happens in water.
Timing is critical. Prolonged seizures can become a medical emergency called status epilepticus. If such situations arise, immediate attention at a facility like Sedna Hospital is essential.
What Happens After a Seizure?
After a seizure, the person enters the postictal phase. They may experience confusion, sleepiness, headache, muscle soreness, or memory loss.
What should you do during a seizure recovery phase?
- Speak calmly and gently.
- Reassure them and allow them to rest.
- Stay until they are fully alert and avoid overwhelming them with questions.
Different Types of Seizures
Not all seizures look dramatic. Some are subtle and easily missed:
1. Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizure
Loss of consciousness, body stiffening, and jerking movements.
2. Absence Seizures
Brief staring spells (often seen in children) without a full collapse.
3. Focal Seizures
Jerking in one body part, strange sensations, or confusion.
Causes, Control, and Normal Life
Epilepsy can be linked to brain injury, stroke, infections, or genetics. While it cannot always be permanently cured, it can often be well controlled with medications, lifestyle changes, or surgery. Many people with epilepsy live completely normal lives—attending school, working, and having healthy pregnancies under medical supervision.
Common Triggers
Even with control, seizures can be triggered by lack of sleep, stress, flashing lights, missed medication, or alcohol consumption.
Seizures in Children: For Parents
Seizures in children are frightening. If it's the first episode, consult a pediatric neurologist immediately. Note that Febrile seizures (due to high fever) are common in young children and usually do not mean lifelong epilepsy.
FAQs: Epilepsy Explained
1. Can someone swallow their tongue during a seizure?
No. This is a myth. It is physically impossible. Do not put anything in their mouth.
2. Should I put a spoon in their mouth?
Absolutely not. This can break teeth, cause jaw injury, or block their airway.
3. Are seizures contagious?
No. Epilepsy is a neurological condition, not an infectious disease.
4. Can stress cause seizures?
Yes, stress is a major trigger for many individuals with epilepsy.
5. Is epilepsy a mental illness?
No. Epilepsy is a neurological (brain-based) condition, not a psychiatric mental illness.
Final Thoughts
Knowing what should you do during a seizure makes you prepared instead of scared. If you or a loved one experiences seizures, the neurology team at Sedna Hospital provides expert diagnosis, advanced treatment, and compassionate care. Awareness makes the difference.