How Can I Take Care of a Person Who Is Having a Seizure

For a tonic-clonic seizure (grand mal, convulsion), help the person to a lying position and turn him or her onto one side. Place something soft under his or her head and loosen tight clothing. Do not restrain arms or legs. Do not put anything into his or her mouth. Forcing something in to the mouth may cause more harm than good. The seizure itself should only last a few minutes. Afterwards, the individual may be very sleepy and confused and should be talked to in a calm and quiet manner. A trip to the hospital is usually not necessary unless there has been an injury, or if the seizure lasts for more than ten minutes (not counting the sleepy, confused period after the seizure), or if one seizure goes into another without recovery.

For a complex partial seizure, stay with the person, talk calmly, and protect him or her from self-injury. Do not restrain. The person may be able to respond to simple commands such as “sit down”. After the seizure, explain where you are and what has happened if this is necessary.