Epileptic seizures can be divided into two main types: focal seizures and generalised seizures. Seizures can vary from one person to another and how people are affected and how they recover after seizures varies.
How you can best help someone during a seizure depends on what type of seizure they have and how it affects them. Sometimes a focal seizure spreads to affect both sides of the brain. This is called a focal to bilateral tonic clonic seizure. Myoclonic means 'muscle jerk', and these seizures involve jerking of a limb or part of a limb. They often happen shortly after waking up, are brief, and can happen in clusters many happening close together in time.
Some people recover quickly from a tonic clonic seizure but often they will be very tired, want to sleep and may not feel back to normal for several hours or sometimes days.
Most people's seizures will stop on their own and the person will not need any medical help. However, if you are not sure whether someone is recovering from a seizure, they have hurt themselves during the seizure, or you have any concerns about them, you might want to think about when to call for an ambulance.
Some people might injure themselves during a seizure. Dental injuries can be common. A person's seizures usually last the same length of time each time they happen, and stop by themselves. However, sometimes seizures do not stop, or one seizure follows another without the person recovering in between.
If this goes on for 5 minutes or more, it is called status epilepticus, or 'status'. Status is not common, but can happen in any type of seizure and the person may need to see a doctor. Status in a tonic clonic seizure is a medical emergency and the person will need urgent medical help. It is important to call for an ambulance if the seizure goes on for more than 5 minutes.
See when to dial Some people are prescribed emergency medication , either buccal midazolam or rectal diazepam, to stop their seizures. Carers need training in giving emergency medication. It is important for the person to have an individualised written protocol plan about when to give it, for the carer to follow.
More information about our emergency medication training. Checking the length of a seizure is essential in avoiding status see above. Another important reason to check the time and note the length of a seizure is so that you can pass this information on afterwards to the person who has had the seizure. Many people keep a record of their seizures, and a description of the seizure and how long it lasted can be vital information for them to record, and pass on to their specialist.
If the seizure does not stop after 5 minutes — call for an ambulance. After the seizure As soon as the seizure ends, quickly roll the unconscious patient onto their side and open and clear the airway. Cover the patient lightly with a coat or blanket. Check that normal breathing has resumed. Allow the patient to sleep until fully recovered, but check for a response every few minutes.
Aftercare Check for a MedicAlert pendant or bracelet stating that the wearer suffers from epilepsy. Check for any injuries and apply necessary first aid. Reassure the patient as full consciousness is restored. Advise the patient not to drive. Try to arrange for someone to be with the patient until safely home. Advise the patient to contact their doctor to report the seizure and check that any prescribed medication is adequate. If the patient is known to have epilepsy, there is no need for medical aid or an ambulance unless the seizure lasted more than 5 minutes or a second seizure followed.
If it is the first known seizure, medical advice is vital to avoid any future complications. On this page.
About first aid and safety Epilepsy is a common condition of the brain in which a person tends to have recurrent unprovoked seizures. Epileptic seizure first aid If you are with someone having a tonic-clonic seizure where the body stiffens, followed by general muscle jerking , try to: Stay calm and remain with the person. If they have food or fluid in their mouth, roll them onto their side immediately.
Keep them safe and protect them from injury. Place something soft under their head and loosen any tight clothing. Reassure the person until they recover. Time the seizure, if you can. Gently roll the person onto their side after the jerking stops. Do not put anything into their mouth or restrain or move the person, unless they are in danger. If a person having a seizure is in a wheelchair If a person has a seizure when they are in a wheelchair, car seat or stroller: Leave the person seated with the seatbelt on unless it is causing injury.
Put the wheelchair brakes on. Support their head until the seizure has ended. Lean the person slightly to one side to aid drainage of any fluid in the mouth. Seizures in water If a seizure occurs in water: Support the person's head so their face is out of the water. Tilt their head back to ensure a clear airway. If the person is in a pool, remove them from the water when the jerking stops. Note: In the rare circumstance the jerking does not stop, seek help from others if possible, and remove the person from the water at the shallowest end of the pool.
If the person is in the surf, remove them from the water immediately. Flotation devices may be useful when removing someone from water. Seek help if possible. Once out of the water: Call triple zero for an ambulance immediately. Do this even if the person is breathing, as they may have inhaled water Place the person on their side. Check to see if they are breathing. If they are not breathing, or they are not breathing normally, reposition the person onto their back and begin the appropriate form of CPR: CPR for adults is different to the CPR for young children and infants.
Epilepsy and driving Seizures can affect your ability to drive safely. How long this period will last will depend on many things including: what caused the seizure what type of seizure you had if it is epilepsy, and if so, what type of epilepsy. Epilepsy and water safety If a seizure happens in water, it can lead to a life threatening situation. Some simple suggestions include: Never swim alone. Wear an approved life jacket for water activities, including boating and fishing.
Avoid water sports such as scuba and high board diving. Have a shower rather than a bath, as showers pose less risk. If you only have a bath, use a hand-held shower attachment. Do not shower or bathe while alone in the house, if possible. Shower at a time when seizures are less likely to happen. Preferably have outward opening doors, sliding doors, half doors or doors that are easily removable fitted to the bathrooms.
Keep bathroom doors unlocked. Epilepsy and general hazards People take risks every day, but people who have seizures may have to deal with different risks. Try doing a few things like: Arrange your home and, if possible, other areas such as your work or study space to be safe in the event you have a seizure. For example: pad any sharp corners use non-slip flooring always have good barriers in front of fireplaces or heaters have a door that opens both ways into your bathroom and toilet.
If you wander or are confused during or after a seizure: pay special attention to heights, railings, stairs, swimming pools and other bodies of water shut your door when you are home alone, so you are less likely to wander outside or into dangerous areas make sure someone else has a key to get in and check on you consider wearing some form of medical ID.
Put in carpets, cover sharp corners, and avoid glass tables and shower screens. Consider wearing a protective helmet if you have frequent falls. There are helmets designed as casual wear that you can buy. Seizure emergencies Most seizures last less than 2 minutes.
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