First Aid for Epilepsy and Seizures
First Aid for Epilepsy and Seizures
If someone is having a seizure:
Different types of seizures may require different responses. See below for a breakdown of the most common types of seizures and what to do for the child in each case.
In this article
What Should I Do for a Person Who Is Having a Seizure?
If someone is having a seizure:
- Loosen clothing around the person's neck.
- Do not try to hold the person down or restrain them. This can result in injury.
- Do not insert any objects in the person's mouth. This can also cause injury.
- Reassure concerned bystanders who may be upset and ask them to give the person room.
- Remove sharp objects (glasses, furniture, and other objects) from around the person to prevent injury.
- After the seizure, it is helpful to lay the person on their side to maintain an open airway and prevent the person from inhaling any secretions.
- After a seizure, the person may be confused and should not be left alone.
- In many cases, especially if the person is known to have epilepsy, it is not necessary to call 911.
- Call 911 if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, or if another seizure begins soon after the first, or if the person cannot be awakened after the movements have stopped. If you are concerned that something else may be wrong, or the person has another medical condition such as heart disease or diabetes, you should contact a doctor immediately.
What Should I Do if a Child Has a Seizure?
Different types of seizures may require different responses. See below for a breakdown of the most common types of seizures and what to do for the child in each case.
| Seizure Type | What to Do |
| Generalized Tonic-Clonic or Grand Mal (Loss of Awareness) |
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| Absence or Petit Mal (Loss of Awareness) |
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| Partial Seizure (No Loss of Awareness) |
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| Partial Seizures (Loss of Awareness) |
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| Myoclonic Seizures (Loss of Awareness) |
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| Myoclonic Jerks (No Loss of Awareness) |
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| Atonic |
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| Infantile Spasms |
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