A seizure is a sudden episode caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. One seizure does not automatically mean epilepsy, but a first seizure needs medical assessment.
When to seek emergency care: Seek emergency help if the seizure lasts longer than five minutes, another seizure follows quickly, breathing or waking is difficult afterward, the person is injured, the seizure occurred in water, the person is pregnant or has diabetes, or this is the first known seizure. Call 1122 immediately.
What a seizure may look like
Not every seizure causes dramatic shaking. A person may stare blankly, stop responding, appear confused, make repeated movements, experience unusual sensations, or lose awareness. Other seizures cause collapse, stiffening and rhythmic jerking. Afterward, the person may be sleepy, confused, emotional or have a headache.
Epilepsy is a brain disorder associated with repeated unprovoked seizures. Seizures can also occur because of fever in young children, low blood sugar, head injury, stroke, infection, alcohol or drug withdrawal, or other medical problems.
Seizure first aid: what to do
- Stay calm and note the start time.
- Move hard, sharp or hot objects away.
- If the person is falling, ease them to the ground.
- Place something soft and flat under the head.
- Loosen tight clothing around the neck and remove glasses.
- When possible, gently turn the person onto one side with the mouth angled toward the ground.
- Stay with them until they are awake and oriented.
What not to do
- Do not hold the person down or try to stop the movements.
- Do not put a spoon, fingers, medicine or any object in the mouth. A person cannot "swallow their tongue."
- Do not give water or food until they are fully alert.
- Do not perform mouth-to-mouth breathing during the active seizure unless normal breathing does not return after it ends and you are trained to help.
After a first seizure
The person should be medically assessed even if they appear to recover. A clinician may ask witnesses what happened, review medicines and health history, and arrange blood tests, brain imaging or an EEG where appropriate. Do not drive, swim alone, work at heights or operate dangerous machinery until a qualified clinician has given individualized advice.
Which doctor should you see?
Emergency services should assess prolonged, repeated or complicated seizures. A neurologist evaluates suspected epilepsy and other neurological causes. A pediatrician or pediatric neurologist is appropriate for a child. A general physician can coordinate initial tests and referral.
Which specialist to see
SehatGPT shows emergency instructions first when red flags are present. For stable follow-up, it connects you to neurologists, pediatric neurologists or physicians.
Frequently asked questions
Does one seizure mean epilepsy?
No. Epilepsy generally involves a tendency to have repeated unprovoked seizures. A clinician must assess the cause.
Should I put something in the person's mouth?
No. This can injure teeth, jaw or airway and may injure the helper.
Why should I time the seizure?
Duration helps emergency teams judge urgency. A seizure lasting more than five minutes requires immediate medical help.