First Aid: Seizures

A seizure results from a sudden rush of abnormal electrical signals in the brain. Symptoms may range from a minor daze to uncontrollable muscle spasms (convulsions). In many cases, the person will faint (lose consciousness). A seizure can be caused by a high fever, head injury, medicine reaction, stroke, infection, or condition such as epilepsy.

Step 1. Protect the head

Use these steps if you see someone having a seizure:

• Help the person to the floor if they start losing muscle control. Turn them on their side. This is to help them breathe better. It also helps prevent choking or having a foreign object get into their airway (aspiration).

• Protect the person's head from injury by placing something soft under it, such as folded clothes. Also move any objects away from the person.

• Don't cause injury by restraining the person or by placing anything in their mouth. Don't try to hold the person's tongue.

• Remove any eyeglasses.

Step 2. Preserve their dignity

• Clear away bystanders.

• Reassure the person. They may be confused, drowsy, or hostile when coming out of the seizure.

• Cover the person or provide dry clothes if muscle spasms have caused a loss of bladder control.

Step 3. Check for injury

• Make sure the person's mental state has returned to normal. One way to do this is to ask them their name, the year, and your location.

• Injuries can occur to the head, mouth, tongue, or body. 

• Check to see if the person is wearing a medical information bracelet or necklace with instructions.

Step 4. Call 911

Call 911 right away if:

• The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes (timing the seizure and recovery time is helpful in many cases)

• A second seizure occurs

• The person doesn’t regain consciousness

• The person is pregnant or has diabetes or heart disease

• The person has no history of seizures

• The person has an injury during the seizure