What should I know about seizures?

ACS Answer

A seizure is the uncontrolled movement of muscles, usually followed by loss of consciousness. It occurs when nerve cells in the brain become overexcited and do not work properly. Seizures usually last less than five minutes. A person may feel sleepy or confused for several hours after having a seizure. Seizures are caused by high fevers, injury to the head, infections of brain or spinal fluid, metabolic imbalance, and tumors on the spine or brain.

What to look for

• Eyes stare blankly or roll back
• Person suddenly loses ability to control urine and bowels
• Jerking movements of the body, especially the arms and legs

What to do

• Ensure the safety of the person having a seizure. If a seizure occurs while the person is in bed or on a chair, cradle the patient in your arms to keep him or her from falling to the floor.
• Stay with the person having a seizure.
• Stay calm.
• Loosen clothing around the person's neck.
• If the person having a seizure falls to the floor, place padding, such as rolled clothing, under their head; try to gently roll the patient onto his or her left side.
• If possible, gently turn their head to the side.
• Try to notice what type of movements the patient makes, how long the seizure lasts, and which parts of the body move with the seizure.
• Once the seizure is over, cover the person with a blanket and allow him or her to rest. Stay with the patient when he or she is walking or sitting in a chair.
• People who are prone to seizures should have side rails and bumper pads installed on their bed.
• Give anti-seizure medication as prescribed by a doctor.

Do not

• Leave the person having a seizure, not even to call the doctor
• Forcefully turn the neck or any stiff body part
• Restrain their movement
• Move them, except as indicated above or if the person is near a dangerous object, such as a radiator, glass door, or stairway
• Try to open the person's mouth during the seizure (even if patient is biting his or her tongue)
• Give the person food, liquid, or medication until the doctor is called and the patient is fully awake
• Put your fingers or hands near the mouth of the person having the seizure

Call the doctor

• Call once the seizure is over and the patient is comfortable. (If someone else is available, you stay with the patient and have the other person call the doctor.)

Related Resources

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Recommended Consultation

You should consider discussing this question with your doctor or health care team.

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