How to Help a Loved One Suffering a Seizure

If one of your loved ones has epilepsy, it is somewhat likely that you will witness this individual having a seizure at some point. If you see this happen, the most important thing that you can do is stay calm.

If you are able to do so, time the seizure. They typically do not last more than 60 to 90 seconds, so if it lasts longer than three minutes or if the person having the seizure is pregnant, make sure to call emergency services immediately.

The following is a list of a few things that you can do to help during and after a seizure.

• Protect the individual from injury. Stop your loved one from falling or break the fall if possible. Move any objects, such as furniture, that might cause injury. If the individual is already on the ground having a seizure when you get there, try to position him or her on the side so that fluid can come out of the mouth.
• Make sure not to force anything, including your fingers, into the mouth of the individual. This could injure the person as well as cause him or her to bite you.
• Do not attempt to move the individual or hold him or her down, as this can cause injury as well.
• After the seizure, you can check the individual to make sure he or she is not injured. Turn him or her onto the side if you have not already done so.
• If the individual is having breathing problems, try to use your finger to remove any saliva or vomit from his or her mouth. If you cannot do this, call emergency services.
• Create a safe area where he or she is able to rest, and loosen any tight clothing around his or her waist and neck.
• Do not offer the individual any food or drink until he or she is completely alert and lucid, and stay with him or her until then.

If you find someone you love having a seizure and are struggling head immediately to the Complete Care nearest you.