What is a Seizure

Seizure usually lasts from 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Usually, they are not harmful unless they last a long time.

When you have a seizure:

• Parts of your body may move.
• You may have a change in how aware or awake (conscious) you are.
• You may shake (convulse).

What are the signs or symptoms?

Common symptoms of this condition include:

• Shaking (convulsions).
• Stiffness in the body.
• Passing out (losing consciousness).
• Uncontrolled movements in the:
  • Arms or legs.
  • Eyes.
  • Head.
  • Mouth.

Some people have symptoms right before a seizure happens. These symptoms may include:

• Fear.
• Worry (anxiety).
• Feeling like you are going to throw up (nausea).
• Feeling like the room is spinning (vertigo).
• Feeling like you saw or heard something before (déjà vu).
• Odd tastes or smells.
• Changes in vision, such as seeing flashing lights or spots.

Follow these instructions at home:

Medicines

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your doctor.
• Do not eat or drink anything that may keep your medicine from working, such as alcohol.

Activity

• Do not do any activities that would be dangerous if you had another seizure, like driving or swimming. Wait until your doctor says it is safe for you to do them.
• If you live in the U.S., ask your local DMV (department of motor vehicles) when you can drive.
• Get plenty of rest.

Teaching others

• Teach friends and family what to do when you have a seizure. They should:
  • Lay you on the ground.
  • Protect your head and body.
  • Loosen any tight clothing around your neck.
  • Turn you on your side.
  • Not hold you down.
  • Not put anything into your mouth.
  • Know whether or not you need emergency care.
  • Stay with you until you are better.

General instructions

• Contact your doctor each time you have a seizure.
• Avoid anything that gives you seizures.
• Keep a seizure diary. Write down:
  • What you think caused each seizure.
  • What you remember about each seizure.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your doctor. This is important.

Contact a doctor if:

• You have another seizure.
• You have seizures more often.
• There is any change in what happens during your seizures.
• You keep having seizures with treatment.
• You have symptoms of being sick or having an infection.

Get help right away if:

• You have a seizure:
  • That lasts longer than 5 minutes.
  • That is different than seizures you had before.
  • That makes it harder to breathe.
  • After you hurt your head.
• After a seizure, you cannot speak or use a part of your body.
• After a seizure, you are confused or have a bad headache.
• You have two or more seizures in a row.
• You are having seizures more often.
• You do not wake up right after a seizure.
• You get hurt during a seizure.

In an emergency:

• These symptoms may be an emergency. Do not wait to see if the symptoms will go away. Get medical help right away. Call your local emergency services (911 in the U.S.). Do not drive yourself to the hospital.

Summary

• Seizures usually last from 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Usually, they are not harmful unless they last a long time.
• Do not eat or drink anything that may keep your medicine from working, such as alcohol.
• Teach friends and family what to do when you have a seizure.
• Contact your doctor each time you have a seizure.