How to Care for Someone Having a Seizure

Medically Reviewed by Christopher Melinosky, MD on November 27, 2022
1 min read

The care of someone with epilepsy varies depending on the frequency and type of seizures. It is important for the person to take anticonvulsant medication regularly to prevent seizures.

When a seizure occurs, an observer should use common sense to prevent injuries:

  • Cushion the person's head.
  • Loosen any tight neckwear.
  • Turn the person on their side.
  • Do not hold the person down or restrain the person.
  • Do not place anything in the mouth or try to pry the teeth apart. The person is not in danger of swallowing their tongue.
  • Do not attempt to move the person unless they are in immediate danger (like in a body of water)
  • Observe seizure characteristics -- length, type of movements, direction of head or eye turning. These characteristics may help the doctor diagnose the type of seizure.