Seizures – What They Are and How to React

Ever seen someone suddenly shake, stare, or lose awareness and wondered what to do? That’s a seizure. It’s a brief burst of abnormal brain activity that can look different from person to person. Some people just have a quick stare, while others may have full‑body convulsions. Knowing the basics helps you stay calm and act safely.

Common Triggers and When to Seek Help

Seizures can pop up for many reasons. Skipping meds, lack of sleep, stress, alcohol, or flashing lights are frequent culprits. Fever can trigger seizures in kids, while head injuries or low blood sugar are common in adults. If a seizure lasts longer than five minutes, the person can’t wake up, or you’ve never seen a seizure before, call emergency services right away.

For most first‑time seizures, emergency care is the safest bet. Even if the episode stops quickly, a doctor will want to find the cause and decide on treatment.

Step‑by‑Step First‑Aid Checklist

1. Stay calm. Your calm voice can reassure the person and anyone nearby.

2. Clear the area. Move objects that could cause injury—tables, chairs, hard floor items.

3. Time the seizure. Use your phone or a watch. Most seizures stop on their own within a couple of minutes.

4. Protect the head. Put a folded jacket or pillow under the head if they’re on the floor.

5. Don’t hold them down. Let the movements happen; restraining can cause injury.

6. Don’t put anything in the mouth. No fingers, spoon, or gum—people don’t swallow their tongue, but they can bite it.

7. Turn them onto their side. Once the shaking stops, roll them onto their side (recovery position). This keeps the airway open and lets fluids drain.

8. Stay until fully awake. Keep talking, reassure them, and watch for any lingering confusion.

If the person has a known seizure disorder and carries a medication card, give that to the emergency responders.

Most seizures are brief and don’t cause lasting harm, but repeated episodes often need treatment. Doctors may prescribe anti‑seizure meds, recommend lifestyle tweaks, or suggest surgery in rare cases.

Keeping a seizure diary—recording date, time, what happened before, and how long it lasted—helps doctors spot patterns and choose the right medication.

In everyday life, simple steps can lower risk: get enough sleep, take meds on schedule, limit alcohol, and avoid known triggers like flickering lights if they set you off. If you have a seizure disorder, wear a medical alert bracelet so strangers know how to help.

Seizures can feel scary, but with the right knowledge you can protect yourself and others. Spot the signs, follow the first‑aid steps, and get professional help when needed. Staying informed turns a frightening moment into a manageable one.