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What to Do for Someone Having a Seizure |
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Do not hold the person down
Time the seizure
Clear away sharp objects
Protect airway: move person onto side; do not place anything in the mouth
Check for breathing if there is loss of consciousness
Put something flat and soft, like a folded jacket, under the head
If seizures continue, call 911
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Overview
Definition
Normal brain functioning is the result of millions of tiny electrical signals working together to enable movement, sensation, memory, emotion, behavior and consciousness. A seizure is the result of a sudden, irregular discharge of electrical signals.
A convulsive seizure is characterized by shaking of the body and a period of decreased mental awareness. Other, less apparent forms of seizures may affect a person's awareness, muscle control or sensory perception.
People with epilepsy have repeated episodes of seizures. One seizure episode does not mean a diagnosis of epilepsy. A child with febrile seizures, an adult with a series of convulsions following alcohol withdrawal or a person with low blood sugar from insulin shock does not necessarily have epilepsy.
More than 2.5 million people are living with epilepsy in the United States. The condition affects people of all ages, races and ethnic backgrounds. There are more than 20 different seizure disorders. Once epilepsy is diagnosed, 80 percent of cases can be managed either with medications or surgery.
More on Epilepsy What Is a Seizure and When Does it Lead to Epilepsy?
First Aid Measures for a Seizure
In the Encyclopedia: Seizure disorder
Anticonvulsant drugs
Barbiturate-induced coma
Barbiturates
This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.
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