Epilepsy: Recognize Seizures, Give First Aid, and Stay Safe
Epilepsy means a tendency to have recurrent seizures. Seizures look different from person to person — some people stare blankly for a few seconds, others lose control of their body or have rhythmic jerking. Knowing the signs and simple steps to help can make a big difference when someone has a seizure.
Quick seizure first aid
If you see someone seizing, stay calm and act quickly. Follow these clear steps:
1. Time the seizure. If it lasts longer than 5 minutes, call emergency services right away.
2. Stay with the person. Speak calmly and reassure them as they recover.
3. Move harmful objects away. Clear furniture, sharp items, and hot objects from the area.
4. Cushion the head. Use a jacket or pillow to protect the head from banging.
5. Don’t hold them down. Don’t put anything in their mouth — that can cause injury.
6. Turn them on their side if breathing is a problem or if they vomit. This helps keep the airway clear.
7. Note what happened. Record how long the seizure lasted, what it looked like, and any triggers you noticed. That info is vital for doctors.
Daily life: medication, triggers and safety
Most people with epilepsy manage it with anti-seizure medications. Common names you might hear are levetiracetam, lamotrigine, carbamazepine, and valproate. Each drug works differently and has pros and cons — talk with a neurologist or pharmacist to match the right medicine to the person’s needs.
Don’t stop medications suddenly. Stopping can cause more or worse seizures. If side effects are troublesome, ask the prescriber about switching or adjusting the dose.
Watch for triggers and track seizures in a simple diary or app. Sleep loss, stress, missed meds, alcohol, flashing lights, and some medications can trigger seizures for some people. Not everyone has triggers, but tracking helps find patterns.
Make everyday life safer: wear a medical ID, avoid unsupervised swimming or hot baths, use a shower instead, and take extra care on stairs and when cooking with hot oil. Driving rules differ by place — check local laws and doctor advice before getting behind the wheel.
If a seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, if another seizure starts right away, or if the person has trouble breathing or doesn’t wake up, call emergency services immediately. These are signs of status epilepticus and need urgent care.
If you want personalized advice about medications, interactions, or over-the-counter supplements, Shiner Family Pharmacy can help. Our pharmacists can review your meds, point out interactions, and suggest safety steps you can use at home. Keep a seizure plan handy and share it with family, friends, and coworkers so everyone knows what to do when a seizure happens.
