What to Do If Someone Has a Seizure: A Step-by-Step Guide

According to the World Health Organization, epilepsy affects over 50 million people worldwide, making it one of the most common neurological conditions. Seizures can happen unexpectedly and without warning, leaving those around the affected individual feeling scared and unsure of how to help. Knowing what to do during a seizure is crucial in protecting the person from harm and potentially saving their life. In this post, we will discuss step-by-step instructions on what to do if someone has a seizure, including understanding the causes and types of seizures, what to do during and after a seizure, and when to seek emergency help. By following these guidelines, you can feel more confident in your ability to respond quickly and effectively in this type of emergency situation.

Understanding Seizures

Causes of Seizures

Seizures are caused by a wide range of factors, including brain injury, genetics, infection, and drug/alcohol abuse. Brain injury is one of the most common causes of seizures and can occur as a result of traumatic brain injury, stroke, or brain tumors. In some cases, even minor head injuries can lead to seizures.

Genetics also play a role in seizures, with certain genetic mutations increasing the risk of developing epilepsy, a neurological disorder that causes recurring seizures. For instance, mutations in genes such as SCN1A, SCN2A, and GABRG2 have been linked to epilepsy in some individuals.

Infections, particularly those that affect the brain, can also cause seizures. These infections include meningitis, encephalitis, and AIDS-related infections. Fever-induced seizures, which typically occur in young children, are also a type of seizure caused by an infection.

Drug and alcohol abuse can also trigger seizures, with alcohol withdrawal being a common cause. Other drugs that can increase the risk of seizures include cocaine, amphetamines, and PCP. Furthermore, overdosing on certain medications, such as antidepressants, can also cause seizures.

It’s important to note that not everyone who experiences a brain injury, has a genetic mutation, gets an infection, or abuses drugs/alcohol will necessarily develop seizures. However, these factors can increase the likelihood of experiencing a seizure and it’s important for individuals with any of these risk factors to be aware of the signs and symptoms of seizures.

Overall, understanding the causes of seizures can help individuals take preventative measures to reduce their risk of experiencing a seizure. It can also help individuals recognize the signs and symptoms of a seizure in themselves or others and take appropriate action.

Types of Seizures

Seizures can happen in many different ways, and not all seizures are the same. Knowing the different types of seizures can help you better understand what’s happening during a seizure and how to respond appropriately. Here are some common types of seizures:

Tonic-Clonic Seizures

Tonic-clonic seizures, also known as grand mal seizures, are perhaps the most well-known type of seizure. These seizures involve two stages: the tonic phase and the clonic phase. During the tonic phase, the person loses consciousness and their muscles stiffen. They may fall to the ground and make loud, gasping sounds. During the clonic phase, the person’s muscles begin to jerk and twitch. They may also lose control of their bladder or bowels. Tonic-clonic seizures usually last 1-3 minutes.

Absence Seizures

Absence seizures, also known as petit mal seizures, are typically seen in children. These seizures involve a brief loss of consciousness, lasting only a few seconds. The person may appear to be “staring off into space” and may not respond to stimuli. Absence seizures are usually harmless, but they can interfere with learning and attention.

Myoclonic Seizures

Myoclonic seizures are characterized by brief, sudden muscle jerks that can affect one or many parts of the body. These seizures may be mistaken for sudden twitches or spasms. In some cases, myoclonic seizures may be a sign of an underlying neurologic condition.

Focal Seizures

Focal seizures (also called partial seizures) occur when abnormal electrical activity is limited to one area of the brain. Depending on where in the brain the seizure occurs, the person may experience different symptoms. For example, a focal seizure that occurs in the part of the brain that controls movement may cause the person to experience involuntary movements in one part of the body. A focal seizure that occurs in the temporal lobe may cause the person to experience déjà vu or hallucinations.

It’s important to remember that every seizure is different, and the experience can vary from person to person. If you’re unsure what type of seizure someone is having, it’s always a good idea to seek medical attention.

What to Do During a Seizure

During a seizure, it’s important to take the appropriate actions to ensure the person’s safety. Here are some steps you can take:

Protect the Person

The first step is to protect the person from injury. If possible, guide them to the ground gently and place something soft like a pillow or jacket under their head. Remove any sharp objects or obstacles around the immediate area that could cause harm.

Time the Seizure

It’s vital to know how long the seizure lasts. Use your phone or watch to time the duration of the seizure. This information can be helpful for medical professionals and will aid in determining the appropriate next steps.

Clear the Area

If the person is having a seizure in a crowded or public area, try to clear the area around them. This can help prevent other people from accidentally getting hurt and provides more space for the person to move freely.

Do Not Restrain

Although it may be tempting to hold someone down during a seizure to prevent them from moving, this should never be done. Restraining the person can cause physical harm, and it’s crucial to let the seizure run its course.

By following these steps, you can help minimize the risks associated with seizures and ensure the person’s safety until medical help arrives. Remember, always seek medical attention if the seizure lasts longer than five minutes or if the person has trouble breathing.

What to Do After a Seizure

After a seizure, the person may feel tired, confused, or disoriented. It’s important to stay with them and offer help until they fully recover. Here are some steps you can take to assist them:

Recovery Position

If the person is unconscious, gently roll them onto their side into the recovery position. This helps prevent choking on vomit or fluids and ensures that the airway remains open.

Offer Help

The person may be disoriented or confused after a seizure. Speak calmly and offer assistance as needed. If they are able to talk, ask if they need any help or if they are experiencing any pain or discomfort.

Stay with the Person

It’s important to stay with the person until they fully recover. This can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours. Keep an eye on them and make sure they don’t get up too quickly or fall over.

Seek Medical Attention

In most cases, a seizure does not require emergency medical attention. However, there are some situations where it’s important to seek medical help right away. If the person has a seizure lasting more than five minutes, has difficulty breathing, is injured during the seizure, or has another seizure immediately after the first, call 911 or seek emergency medical attention.

Remember that individuals who have epilepsy or seizures may be embarrassed or scared after having a seizure. Offer support and make sure they know that you are there to help them. By following these steps, you can ensure that the individual recovers safely and receives appropriate medical attention if necessary.

When to Seek Emergency Help

If someone experiences a seizure, it can be a frightening experience for both the person having the seizure and those around them. While most seizures are not life-threatening, some situations require immediate medical attention. Here are some signs that indicate when it’s time to call for emergency help.

Seizure lasts more than five minutes: A seizure that lasts longer than five minutes is considered a medical emergency. This condition is known as status epilepticus and can be life-threatening if left untreated. It’s important to call for emergency help immediately if you notice that the seizure has lasted longer than usual.
Person is injured during seizure: During a seizure, a person can lose control of their body and fall or hit their head on nearby objects. If the person experiences any injuries during the seizure, such as head trauma or broken bones, it’s crucial to call for emergency help right away.
Person has difficulty breathing: Seizures can affect a person’s ability to breathe normally. If you notice that the person is struggling to breathe or turning blue, it’s critical to call for emergency help immediately. Lack of oxygen to the brain or organs can cause serious harm or even death.
Person has another seizure immediately after the first: If a person has another seizure immediately after the first one, it’s called cluster seizures. Cluster seizures can be dangerous and require prompt medical attention. It’s vital to call for emergency help in this situation.

In conclusion, while most seizures aren’t life-threatening, it’s essential to recognize when to seek emergency help. A seizure lasting more than five minutes, an injury during the seizure, difficulty breathing, or consecutive seizures signal that you should call 911 immediately. Remember, timely action can save a life.
Seizures can be a frightening experience for both the person having them and those around them. However, with the right knowledge and actions, we can make a significant difference in helping someone who is experiencing one. In summary, it is important to remember that during a seizure, we should protect the person, clear the area, do not restrain them, and time the seizure. After a seizure, we should place the person in the recovery position, offer help, stay with them, and seek medical attention if necessary. Understanding the causes and types of seizures can also help us to respond appropriately. By following these steps, we can provide valuable assistance to someone who may be going through a difficult time.