Seizures: What to watch for and what to do

A seizure can look different from person to person. Some seizures cause full-body jerking and loss of awareness. Others are subtle — a blank stare, strange sensations, or sudden confusion. Knowing the common signs and what to do can keep someone safe and help you act fast.

First aid for a seizure

Stay calm and time the seizure. If it lasts more than 5 minutes, call emergency services. Move nearby objects so the person won’t hit anything sharp. Cushion their head with something soft. If they’re on the ground, gently roll them onto their side to keep the airway clear — this helps saliva or vomit drain out.

Do NOT put anything in the person’s mouth. Don’t try to restrain their movements unless they’re in danger of falling. Talk to them calmly and stay with them until they’re fully alert. After the seizure ends, people are often confused or sleepy — let them rest and speak simply. If possible, note how long the seizure lasted and what happened; that detail helps doctors.

When to call emergency services

Call 911 (or your local emergency number) if the seizure: lasts longer than 5 minutes, is the person’s first-ever seizure, happens back-to-back without regaining awareness, occurs after a head injury or during pregnancy, or if the person has trouble breathing or doesn’t wake up normally. Also get urgent help if the person has diabetes, is injured, or the seizure follows a high fever and they’re a young child.

Seizures have many causes. Epilepsy is one common reason, but seizures can also come from low blood sugar, high fever, alcohol withdrawal, brain infection, stroke, or certain medications. Doctors usually order an EEG and brain imaging (like MRI) and check blood tests to find the cause. That helps choose the right treatment.

Medications reduce the chance of more seizures for many people. Common antiseizure drugs include levetiracetam, lamotrigine, carbamazepine, and valproate — but the choice depends on seizure type, age, sex, and other health issues. Never stop or change meds without talking to a doctor — missed doses are a frequent trigger for breakthrough seizures.

Simple lifestyle steps lower risk: get regular sleep, avoid heavy alcohol or recreational drugs, manage stress, and take meds on schedule. If you or a loved one has seizures, build a seizure action plan with your healthcare team. That plan should cover daily meds, emergency rescue meds if prescribed, and clear instructions for family, coworkers, or teachers.

Driving, swimming, and certain jobs may require extra precautions after a seizure. Rules vary by place, so check local laws and talk with your neurologist. With the right care and safety plan, many people with seizures live full, active lives. If you’re unsure about symptoms or treatment, contact a medical professional — timely help makes a real difference.