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.