Seizure protocol differs depending on the type of seizure a person has, but it may include staying with the person, making their environment safe, and providing reassurance.
Seizures often occur as a symptom of epilepsy, which affects over
According to the
- Generalized seizures: These affect both sides of the brain.
- Focal seizures: These are also known as partial seizures, and they begin in a specific area of the brain. Symptoms of a focal seizure depend on where in the brain the seizure occurs.
This article will outline the subtypes of seizures and what to do if people experience them. It will also discuss when to call an ambulance.
The following sections outline what to do in the event of generalized seizures.
Tonic-clonic seizure
This is the most recognizable type of seizure. In a tonic-clonic seizure, a person usually loses consciousness, and their muscles twitch and jerk rapidly.
Tonic-clonic seizures are
Tonic-clonic seizures, previously called grand mal seizures, may include:
- In the tonic phase:
- crying out
- going stiff
- In the clonic phase:
- falling to the floor
- experiencing muscle jerks or spasms
A person’s breathing may change, and they may turn pale or blue around the mouth. They may also bite the inside of their mouth.
The United Kingdom’s Epilepsy Society gives the following advice for dealing with a tonic-clonic seizure:
What to do during the seizure
- Stay calm.
- Start timing the seizure.
- Move away any objects that may cause injury.
- Only move the person if they are in an unsafe place.
- Place something soft under the person’s head or cup their head to prevent it from hitting the ground.
- Look for an identity card or medical jewelry for information about what to do.
- Do not restrain the person. Allow the seizure to take its course.
- Do not put anything in their mouth.
- Try to stop people crowding around.
What to do when the shaking stops
- Roll the person onto their side into the recovery position.
- Check their breathing. If it sounds labored, open their mouth to check that their airway is clear.
- Wipe away any spit from their mouth.
- If they have wet themselves, cover them to minimize embarrassment.
- Gently reassure them and stay with them until they have recovered.
- Do not give them food or drink until they are fully
alert .
A person often feels very tired following a seizure and may take several hours or days to recover fully.
Myoclonic seizure
In myoclonic seizures, people experience brief and involuntary muscle twitching, or “myoclonus.” They happen very quickly, often after waking up, and may even go unnoticed. They sometimes happen repeatedly.
Myoclonic seizures typically affect the neck, shoulders, or upper arms. Hiccups and the sudden jerk some people experience before falling asleep are forms of
What to do
If a person thinks they are experiencing a myoclonic seizure, they should stay still. The best way to help a person experiencing this type of seizure is to ensure that they do not hurt themselves.
A person should only
- they are pregnant
- they injure themselves as a result of the seizure
- it is their first seizure
Tonic and atonic seizure
An atonic seizure presents as an instant loss in muscle tone as the muscles relax. A person’s body may fall limp, and they may fall forward, risking injury.
Tonic seizures cause muscles to
- drooling or foaming at the mouth
- falling to the ground, often backward
- crying out involuntarily
- losing consciousness
These seizures happen without warning and are brief. People usually recover quickly.
What to do
If a person notices someone having a tonic or atonic seizure, they should try:
- rolling the person into the recovery position
- seeking medical attention, if the seizure caused injury
If a person experiences a seizure alone and it is not their first, they can decide whether to seek medical attention once the seizure has stopped. If it is a person’s first seizure, they should seek medical attention.
Absence seizure
An absence seizure or petit mal typically occurs in children aged
This type of seizure is extremely common with certain
What to do
To help someone having an absence seizure, a person should guide them away from danger and into a safe environment.
The following sections outline what to do in the event of focal seizures.
Focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizure
Focal onset seizures occur due to a specific region in the brain behaving abnormally. This typically involves the misfiring of electrical signals. Focal to bilateral seizures start in a specific site and quickly spread, involving both sides of the brain.
This differs from a generalized-onset tonic-clonic seizure, which starts on both sides of the brain. A person usually experiences a site-specific sign first, such as arm jerking.
What to do
If a person recognizes the initial focal signs of a seizure, they can try to reach a safe place before the tonic-clonic phases begin. This can help them avoid injury.
People nearby should follow the previous advice for tonic-clonic seizures.
Focal aware seizure
Focal aware seizures, previously called simple partial seizures, affect a specific brain region yet
- an intense feeling, such as joy or fear
- a rising feeling in the stomach
- twitching in a limb
- an unusual smell or taste
What to do
It may be helpful to reassure someone during and after a focal aware seizure. People should seek medical attention if it is their first seizure.
Focal impaired awareness seizure
Also called complex partial seizures, these seizures affect a specific part of the brain. When a seizure occurs, it causes impaired consciousness. Focal impaired awareness seizures usually last
A person may carry out automatisms during a seizure, which are repetitive movements such as moaning, chewing, or head-rolling.
What to do during the seizure
- Do not restrain the person, as this may cause upset or confusion.
- Guide them away from danger.
- Speak calmly and gently. Being loud and forceful may cause confusion, leading them to respond aggressively or become upset.
What to do after the seizure
- Be calm and reassuring, reminding them where they are.
- Stay with them until they are alert and can return to their previous activity.
Some people recover quickly from this type of seizure, while others feel very tired and want to sleep.
According to the
However, if a seizure continues for 5 minutes or longer, doctors call it
Status can cause brain damage, so urgent medical care is necessary. It is important to time a person’s seizures and pass this information on to healthcare professionals.
If it is a person’s first seizure or they were injured during a seizure, they should also talk with a doctor.
Different types of seizures require different actions from people nearby. Seizures arise in different brain areas, cause different symptoms, and require different treatments. Most seizures end within a few minutes.
- staying with a person until they are fully alert and can understand what happened
- being calm and reassuring
- trying to make the environment safe for them
- looking for a medical bracelet for information about what to do
- ensuring the person gets home safely
If someone experiences a seizure for the first time or if they have epilepsy and experience a change in their seizures, they should talk with a doctor. If a person’s seizure lasts 5 minutes or more, a person should call 911.