If you care for someone with partial onset seizures, having a clear, simple plan cuts stress and speeds up the right response. This page summarizes our May 2024 post and gives a ready-to-use checklist you can adapt to daily life, school, or work. No jargon—just practical steps you can follow right now.
Start with basic ID and medical facts: full name, birthdate, diagnosis, usual seizure signs, typical length, and how often seizures happen. List current medications, exact doses, and the time of the last dose. Note any rescue medication used (name, dose, how it’s given) and who is allowed to give it.
Describe what a typical partial onset seizure looks like for that person. Partial onset seizures can be subtle—sudden staring, odd sensations, brief jerks, or repetitive movements. Tell caregivers how to recognize the start, how long it usually lasts, and what behavior signals the end.
Add clear step-by-step first aid: time the seizure, protect the head, remove dangerous objects, don’t put anything in the mouth, and don’t restrain unless the person is in danger. If the person becomes unresponsive after the seizure, roll them onto their side to keep the airway clear.
Write exact rules for calling 911. Common triggers: a seizure lasting more than 5 minutes, repeated seizures without recovery between them, breathing problems, injury, or if it’s the person’s first seizure. Keep emergency contacts and the person’s doctor listed right on the plan.
Share the plan with everyone who needs to know—family, babysitters, teachers, employers, coaches. Give them a printed copy and a short one-page summary they can keep in a wallet or bag. Train people on how to give rescue meds and how to follow the plan calmly under pressure.
Small safety changes make daily life safer: supervise near water, use helmets for risky activities if recommended, secure sharp edges, and lock up medications. For kids, ask the school about a 504 plan or individualized health plan so staff follow your written instructions.
Update the plan after medication changes, new symptoms, or medical visits. Put the plan somewhere obvious at home, and save a photo of it on your phone so it’s always available.
Quick printable checklist: 1) ID & emergency contacts, 2) Seizure description and usual duration, 3) Current meds and rescue meds with exact dosing, 4) Clear 911 rules, 5) First-aid steps, 6) Training notes and where copies are stored. Keep the language direct—no medical jargon someone might misunderstand.
Use this summary to build a practical, easy-to-follow seizure action plan that people can actually use when it matters. If you want, copy the checklist into a document and fill in the blanks for your situation.
Creating a seizure action plan for partial onset seizures involves preparation, communication, and knowledge of the condition. A well-designed plan ensures safety and quick response during a seizure event. This article guides you through the necessary steps to develop an effective and personalized seizure action plan.
Health and Wellness