If someone is having a seizure, your actions matter. First, stay calm and time the seizure. Most seizures stop within a minute or two. If the seizure is brief, your role is to keep the person safe until it ends and they recover.
Put the person on their side (recovery position) to keep the airway clear and let saliva drain. Move sharp or hard objects away so they don’t hit anything. Cushion the head with your hands or a folded jacket. Don’t hold them down. Don’t put anything in their mouth — that can cause injury or block the airway.
Call emergency services if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, if another seizure starts right after the first, if the person has trouble breathing after it, if the seizure happens in water, or if it’s their first seizure. If they’re injured during the seizure, get medical help. Stay with them until they are fully alert and can sit up safely.
Take medications exactly as prescribed. Missing doses is one of the most common triggers for repeat seizures. Refill prescriptions early and set phone reminders. Tell your prescriber about side effects or changes in mood, sleep, or behavior.
Track seizures in a simple diary or app: note date, time, how long it lasted, what they were doing beforehand, and any triggers. This information helps doctors adjust treatment and spot patterns like sleep loss, stress, or missed meds.
Limit common triggers: aim for regular sleep, avoid heavy alcohol or recreational drugs, and manage stress with simple routines—short walks, breathing exercises, or steady sleep times. If flashing lights trigger seizures, use screen filters, reduce screen brightness, and avoid long exposure to flashing lights.
Adjust the home for safety: use non-slip mats, remove sharp corners or pad them, lock windows if falls are a risk, and use a shower chair instead of standing in the tub alone. For people who have frequent falls, a helmet during risky activities can reduce head injury.
For swimmers or bathers, never swim alone. Supervise closely and consider showers instead of baths unless someone is present. At work or school, share a simple seizure action plan with supervisors and caregivers so everyone knows what to do.
If a doctor prescribes a rescue medication (like an emergency dose to stop long seizures), make sure caregivers know how and when to give it. Keep written instructions and training from the prescriber or nurse. Carry a medical ID card or bracelet listing diagnosis, emergency contacts, and meds — that helps emergency staff act fast.
Driving rules and seizure laws vary. Talk to your neurologist and check local licensing rules before you drive. Ask your doctor about interactions between seizure meds and other drugs you take.
Seizure safety is mostly about simple preparation and calm action. Keep a plan, stick to daily routines, and teach close friends or family what to do. That combination cuts risk and helps people recover safely after a seizure.
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