After witnessing a seizure, understanding the appropriate actions to take once convulsive activity ceases is important. Informed responses can significantly contribute to the individual’s well-being and safety. Knowing how to provide care in the moments after a seizure helps prevent further injury and supports their recovery.
Immediate Safety Measures
Once seizure movements stop, the immediate priority is to ensure the person’s physical safety and maintain a clear airway. Gently roll them onto their side into the recovery position. This helps prevent choking on saliva or vomit by allowing fluids to drain from the mouth, especially if post-seizure vomiting occurs before alertness returns.
Clearing the area around the individual is important to prevent further injury during post-seizure confusion. Move any hard or sharp objects away from their immediate vicinity. Loosening any tight clothing around the neck, such as collars or ties, can aid in breathing. Avoid restraining the person or attempting to put anything into their mouth, as this can cause injury.
Monitoring the Recovery
After ensuring immediate safety, observe the person’s recovery progression. Most seizures are brief, often lasting less than two minutes, and the person usually recovers on their own. The period immediately following a seizure is known as the postictal state, during which the brain recovers from intense electrical activity. This phase can manifest with various symptoms, including confusion, drowsiness, and disorientation.
During this recovery phase, monitor their breathing patterns. While breathing might be barely detectable during the seizure, it typically deepens during recovery. The postictal state varies in duration, lasting from a few minutes to several hours, or even days, depending on the seizure type and its severity. Remain with the person, allowing them to recover naturally, supporting their transition back to their normal state.
When to Call for Emergency Help
Not every seizure requires an emergency call, as most resolve on their own. However, specific circumstances warrant contacting emergency services. A seizure lasting five minutes or longer, or repeated seizures without the person regaining full consciousness, indicates status epilepticus. This medical emergency can lead to brain damage or be life-threatening if not addressed promptly.
Seek emergency help if the person experiences difficulty breathing after the seizure, or sustained a serious injury during the event. Other situations warranting an emergency call include if it is the person’s first seizure, if the seizure occurred in water, or if the individual has a pre-existing medical condition such as diabetes or is pregnant. If the person does not return to their usual state of awareness within a reasonable timeframe after the seizure, or if the seizure differs significantly from their typical pattern, professional medical evaluation is advisable.
Providing Comfort and Reassurance
As the person begins to regain consciousness during the postictal phase, providing comfort and reassurance is important. Speaking calmly and gently can help alleviate their confusion and anxiety. Explaining what happened in simple terms, once responsive, can aid their understanding.
Creating a quiet and safe environment by encouraging bystanders to step back can reduce embarrassment and confusion for the individual as they wake up. Stay with the person until they are fully alert and aware of their surroundings, offering support without being intrusive. This supportive presence helps them navigate the disorientation that often follows a seizure.
Key Information for Medical Personnel
If emergency medical personnel are called, having specific details ready can greatly assist their assessment and treatment. Note the exact time the seizure started and stopped, providing its accurate duration. This information helps medical professionals determine the severity and type of seizure.
Recall what the person was doing immediately before the seizure, such as unusual sensations or behaviors (aura or prodrome). Note details about the seizure’s presentation, including body movements, eye deviation, or color changes (e.g., pale, flushed, or bluish skin). Communicate the duration and characteristics of the postictal state, such as confusion, drowsiness, or speech difficulties. Report any injuries sustained during the seizure, like cuts, bruises, or head trauma, for immediate medical attention.