For all seizures, your main job is to protect the person until they are able to fully function. Time and carefully observe what happens before, during and after the seizure and record all details as soon as possible. Follow up by updating the seizure management plan with your health care team, or at the health unit. Not all seizures involve convulsions (muscle contractions) and some may be harder to recognize. Most seizures last under five minutes and are not medical emergencies except for Status Epilepticus.

Status Epilepticus is any seizure that lasts more than five minutes or repeats without full recovery in between. It is a life-threatening medical emergency: Call an ambulance! Status Epilepticus may occur with seizures other than tonic clonic.

Note: If either you or your child is susceptible to lengthy or repeated seizures, they can be treated at home with emergency medication, prescribed by a neurologist. Rectal gel (Diastat), or orally administered Lorazepam (Ativan) are commonly used for this purpose.

First aid for tonic-clonic seizures

Status Epilepticus may result when anticonvulsant drugs are suddenly stopped.

  • Stay calm.
  • Ease the person onto the floor.
  • Check for a Medic Alert bracelet.
  • Keep the airway clear by turning the person onto one side. If sitting, turn the head to the side – do not try to move person from a wheelchair.
  • Do not put anything into the person’s mouth – they may bite their tongue, but will not swallow it.
  • Loosen clothing around the neck, remove glasses.
  • Place something soft under the person’s head.
  • Remove anything from the area that might cause injury.
  • Do not try to restrain, as you may cause a muscle tear or break a bone.
  • Reassure the person and let them rest afterwards.
  • Do not give fluids until the person is fully conscious.
  • Offer assistance in getting home.

Do not use artificial respiration unless you have been trained.

First aid for focal dyscognitive seizures

  • Gently redirect the person away from danger.
  • Speak calmly, quietly and reassuringly until consciousness is regained.
  • Help person get home.

Absence, atonic, focal with retained awareness, myoclonic and infantile spasms do not require first aid – unless over 5 minutes in duration.

A follow-up evaluation with your health care providers or at the health unit is advisable.