What’s the First Thing You Should Do When Someone Has a Seizure?
This guide explains the first response steps, the reasoning behind each action, and how to support someone both during and after a seizure with confidence and calm awareness.
Recognising That a Seizure Is Happening
Before responding, it helps to understand what a seizure might look like. Seizures vary widely, but some common signs include:
Sudden collapse or loss of awareness.
Stiffening of muscles, followed by rhythmic jerking movements.
Staring spells or unresponsiveness.
Unusual sounds, gasping, or gurgling.
Repetitive movements such as lip-smacking or blinking.
Confusion or disorientation once the episode ends.
Identifying a seizure quickly is the first step in providing safe and effective support.
What You Should Do First: Stay Calm and Keep the Person Safe
The most important first action is simple: stay calm. Seizures can appear dramatic, but most resolve without the need for emergency interventions.
Immediately focus on safety:
Gently guide the person away from sharp edges or hard surfaces.
Ease them to the floor if they are standing.
Turn them on their side to help keep the airway clear.
Loosen tight clothing around the neck.
Remove nearby objects that might cause injury.
Your calm behaviour helps reassure others and prevents unnecessary panic.
Protecting the Head and Supporting the Body
Head injuries are common during seizures. You can reduce risk by:
Placing a soft object like a folded cloth or jacket under the person’s head.
Creating space around the body to prevent accidental impact.
Avoiding any attempt to restrain their movements can cause injuries.
Allowing the seizure to run its course without interference.
Staying close to ensure they do not roll into harmful areas.
These steps create a protective environment without restricting natural movements.
Why You Should Never Put Anything in a Person’s Mouth
A persistent myth is that people can swallow their tongue during seizures. This is false. Forcing objects into the mouth can:
Break teeth.
Injure the jaw.
Block the airway.
Cause choking.
Lead to serious complications.
Simply turning the person on their side is enough to maintain an open airway and prevent choking on saliva.
Timing the Seizure and Understanding When to Call for Help
Most seizures last between 30 seconds and 2 minutes. Timing the episode helps medical professionals understand severity.
Call emergency services if:
The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes.
Another seizure begins immediately after the first.
The person has difficulty breathing afterwards.
The person is injured during the episode.
The person is pregnant, elderly, or has another medical condition.
It is their first-ever seizure.
Accurate timing helps doctors assess risk and determine the next steps.
What to Do When the Seizure Ends
After a seizure, the person may be confused, tired, or emotional. This stage is called the postictal phase.
Support them by:
Staying with them until full awareness returns.
Speaking softly and calmly.
Allowing them to rest if needed.
Offering reassurance without overwhelming them.
Checking for injuries such as cuts, bruises, or head trauma.
Avoiding food or drink until they are fully alert.
Recovery time varies. Some people bounce back quickly; others need several minutes.
Understanding Why Seizures Happen
Seizures occur when abnormal electrical activity in the brain disrupts normal brain function. The causes can range widely, including:
Epilepsy.
High fever in children.
Lack of sleep or severe stress.
Low blood sugar.
Alcohol withdrawal.
Brain infections or injuries.
Medication changes.
Gaining insights into seizure disorders helps families and caregivers understand what triggers episodes and how to prevent future ones.
Long-Term Management and Medical Treatment Options
Medical specialists evaluate seizures using tests such as EEGs and brain imaging. Long-term management typically involves lifestyle adjustments and medication.
Some individuals may be prescribed anticonvulsant medicines, including Brivaracetam, available in formulations such as Briviact 50mg Tablet. These medications help stabilise abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Treatment plans vary depending on the type, frequency, and cause of seizures, and require regular follow-ups with specialists in neurology.
Consistent treatment helps reduce seizure frequency and improves quality of life.
How to Support Someone Living With Recurring Seizures
Caregivers, friends, and family members play an important role in seizure management. Helpful actions include:
Learning first-aid steps and practising them regularly.
Keeping a seizure diary to record patterns and triggers.
Ensuring medicine schedules are followed.
Creating a safe environment at home.
Creating and sharing an emergency plan with workplaces or schools.
Encouraging healthy routines such as sleep, hydration, and stress control.
Support systems help individuals feel confident and prepared in daily life.
Myths About Seizures You Should Stop Believing
Misconceptions often create unnecessary fear. Some common myths include:
“People swallow their tongue during a seizure.” (False.)
“All seizures look the same.” (There are many types.)
“Seizures only happen due to epilepsy.” (There are multiple causes.)
“You must hold the person down.” (This increases injury.)
“Medical help is always required.” (Not true for every seizure.)
Understanding the facts ensures safe and appropriate responses.
Final Thoughts
Knowing what to do during a seizure can make a crucial difference in someone’s safety and recovery. Staying calm, creating a safe environment, timing the seizure, and offering support afterwards are the most important steps. With proper knowledge and awareness, anyone can be prepared to assist confidently and compassionately.
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