Epilepsy Foundation South Central Wisconsin
7617 Mineral Point Road • Madison, WI 53717-1623
608-833-8888 • 800-657-4929 • Fax 608-833-6677
How We Can Help: Learn first aid for seizures.
There are two types of seizures, as described here, that require different first-aid procedures:
Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizures (Previously called Grand Mal)
— The person may fall, stiffen, and convulse.
Do not put anything in the person's mouth!Help the person into a long down position.
Put something soft and thin under the head or simply use your hand.
Clear the area of hard or sharp objects.
Remove glasses and loosen tight clothing.
Turn the person on their side to allow saliva to drain the mouth and the tongue to fall forward clearing the airway.
You cannot stop the seizure; do not attempt to restrain the person.
In a minute or two, the seizure will end. The person may be somewhat confused and disoriented. Have someone stay nearby until the person is fully awake.
Do not offer food or drink until the person is fully awake.
Complex Partial Seizures (Previously called temporal lobe or psychomotor)
— The person may exhibit any or all of these behaviors:
A glassy stare
Lack of response or inappropriate response
Standing, walking, or sitting aimlessly
Lip-smacking or chewing motions
Picking at clothes or pulling at hair.
Remove harmful objects from the person's path.
Gently steer the person away from any potential harm.
Speak calmly and quietly; do not upset the person.
Stay with the person until they are fully alert.
When to call for medical help:
If you don't know the person having the seizure
For a first time seizure
When no one has witnessed the seizure onset
If the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes or if there is one seizure right after another
When a seizure happens in water
If the seizure has resulted in an injury
Or if the person has another medical condition that you know of, such as diabetes or pregnancy.
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