Understanding Seizures
Seizures can look scary, but knowing what they are and what to do makes a huge difference. A seizure is a sudden burst of electrical activity in the brain that temporarily changes behavior, movement, or awareness. Not every seizure means epilepsy—some happen from fever, low blood sugar, or a head injury.
What to watch for
Seizures vary. Some people stare blankly for a few seconds (absence seizures). Others have convulsions with jerking limbs and loss of consciousness (generalized tonic-clonic). Some start in one part of the body and spread (focal seizures). Note how long it lasts, what parts of the body move, and whether the person responds afterwards—those details help doctors.
Practical first aid
If you see someone having a seizure, do these simple things: stay calm, time the seizure, and protect their head by placing something soft underneath. Turn them gently onto their side after the stiff phase ends to help keep the airway clear. Loosen tight clothing around the neck. Don’t put anything in their mouth and don’t try to hold their limbs still. If the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, they have repeated seizures back-to-back, they’re pregnant, injured, or don’t wake up afterward, call emergency services right away.
After the seizure stops, stay nearby, speak calmly, and let them rest. Offer water and keep lights low if they’re confused. If they want to know what happened, explain briefly and suggest they see a doctor if it’s their first seizure.
When to see a doctor: any first seizure needs medical evaluation. Also see a provider if seizures change in frequency, happen despite treatment, or follow a head injury or infection.
Diagnosis usually involves a medical history, blood tests, an EEG (which records brain waves), and brain imaging like MRI. These tests help identify causes and guide treatment.
Medication is the main treatment for recurring seizures. Drugs like valproate (Depakote), carbamazepine, levetiracetam, and others control seizures in many people. Each drug has pros and cons—Depakote, for example, is effective for several seizure types but has side effects that need monitoring. Stick to the prescribed dose, take meds consistently, and talk with your clinician before stopping or changing treatment.
Life tips: track triggers (sleep loss, missed meds, alcohol, flashing lights), wear medical ID if you have recurrent seizures, and review driving rules in your area—many places require a seizure-free period before driving again. If you’re planning pregnancy, discuss medication choices with your doctor well in advance.
If seizures continue despite treatment, options include medication changes, video EEG monitoring, surgery, or devices like vagus nerve stimulators. Ask your neurologist for a clear plan and support resources.
Want more detailed reads? Check articles on seizure medicines and related conditions to learn about specific drugs, dosages, and safety tips. Small steps—knowing first aid, tracking seizures, and getting proper care—make a big difference for safety and quality of life.
