Sudden uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain causing shaking, stiffness, or loss of consciousness. Common in children with high fever and in people with epilepsy.
Stay calm. Most seizures stop on their own within 1 to 3 minutes.
Time the seizure from when it starts — this information is critical for the doctor.
Clear the area immediately. Move any hard, sharp, or dangerous objects away from the person.
Protect the head. Place something soft — folded clothing, a bag — under their head. Do not hold it down.
Do not restrain the person. Do not hold their arms, legs, or body down. Let the shaking happen.
Once the shaking stops, roll them gently onto their side into the recovery position to keep the airway clear and prevent choking if they vomit.
Stay with them. After the seizure, most people are confused, sleepy, or frightened. Talk to them calmly and reassure them.
Check their breathing once the seizure ends. If they are not breathing, begin CPR.
For a child with febrile seizure — remove excess clothing and fan them gently to lower body temperature. Do not put in cold water.
Seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes — this is status epilepticus, a medical emergency.
Person does not regain consciousness after the seizure stops.
Person is not breathing after the seizure.
A second seizure occurs shortly after the first.
Seizure occurs in water — risk of drowning even after it stops.
Pregnant woman has a seizure — may indicate eclampsia, extremely dangerous.
First ever seizure in an adult with no history of epilepsy.
Never put anything in the person's mouth during a seizure — not fingers, not spoons, not cloth. The tongue cannot be swallowed.
Do not restrain the person — you can cause bone fractures or injury.
Do not give water or medication during the seizure.
Do not leave the person alone until they are fully awake and alert.
✓ What Helps
· Paracetamol (not aspirin) to reduce fever in children with febrile seizures — only after the seizure stops and they can swallow safely
✗ What To Avoid
· Do not give any medication during the seizure
· Avoid aspirin in children under 16
→ Ask The Pharmacist For
· Diazepam rectal solution if available and seizure is prolonged — for known epilepsy patients only
· Fever reducing medication for children after the seizure
🏥 Get Professional Help
Go to hospital immediately if the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, if the person does not recover consciousness, if it is their first seizure, or if the person is pregnant. All first-time seizures must be evaluated by a doctor.