Seizure first aid: what to do (and not do) during a seizure
By Prof. Dr. Burak Tatlı 7 min read
Knowing what to do during a seizure is the question families of children with epilepsy ask most. Although seizures can look frightening, they are almost always self-limiting and rarely cause serious harm unless very prolonged. A calm approach and basic first aid prevent most complications.
During a tonic-clonic seizure — what to do
- Help the child to the floor and place something soft under the head and neck
- Keep the head away from hard or sharp edges
- If you can, time the seizure and take a video
- Roll the child onto their side, head included
- Position the mouth parallel to the floor
- Loosen tight clothing; remove glasses or a necklace
What NOT to do
- Do not hold the child upside down
- Do not put anything in the child's mouth
- Do not try to remove contact lenses during the seizure
- Do not restrain the child once the seizure ends
After the seizure
- Don't give food, drink, or medicine until they are fully alert
- Stay with them, using a calm voice, until they recognise their surroundings
- Keep them in a safe, quiet place
Call an ambulance if…
- It is the child's first tonic-clonic seizure
- The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes
- More than one seizure occurs
- There is a significant injury
- They have difficulty breathing after the seizure ends
This is general first-aid information, not a personal treatment plan. Some children are prescribed rescue medication (such as buccal midazolam) by their doctor — only use what your own doctor has prescribed and instructed. Always inform your treating clinician after a seizure. If in doubt, seek emergency help.
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