A seizure is a temporary electrical storm in the brain. Most stop on their own within one to two minutes — your role is not to "stop it" but to prevent harm during and after. Your watch is the most important tool in the whole scene.

In short — what to do

  1. Look at your watch and note the start time — the most important information you'll give any doctor.
  2. Move away everything harmful: chairs, corners, sharp objects — and never try to restrain them or stop the shaking.
  3. Put something soft under the head (cushion, folded jacket).
  4. NOTHING in the mouth, ever — no spoon, no fingers, no water. Nobody "swallows their tongue".
  5. After the shaking stops: roll them onto their side (recovery position) so saliva drains and the airway stays open.
  6. Stay until fully awake — they'll wake confused and exhausted; reassure with short calm sentences.

This topic’s video is coming soon on our channels — follow us

@lahzaem
Your watch, a clear space, something soft under the head — and NOTHING in the mouth
Your watch, a clear space, something soft under the head — and NOTHING in the mouth
The full details

During the seizure

  1. Look at your watch and note the start time — the most important information you'll give any doctor.
  2. Move away everything harmful: chairs, corners, sharp objects — and never try to restrain them or stop the shaking.
  3. Put something soft under the head (cushion, folded jacket).
  4. NOTHING in the mouth, ever — no spoon, no fingers, no water. Nobody "swallows their tongue".
  5. After the shaking stops: roll them onto their side (recovery position) so saliva drains and the airway stays open.
  6. Stay until fully awake — they'll wake confused and exhausted; reassure with short calm sentences.

Call 998 if

  • The seizure passes 5 minutes, or seizures follow each other without waking between.
  • Their first-ever seizure, an injury during it, or it happened in water.
  • Pregnancy, diabetes, or not waking normally afterwards.
  • Breathing difficulty or blueness after the seizure stops.

For the epilepsy patient and family

Medication adherence, enough sleep, avoiding your known triggers — then tell those around you what to do: an epilepsy patient's greatest protection is a circle that knows this page.

This content is for general health education only and is not medical advice. Always seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional. In an emergency, call 998.

← All topics