Epilepsy Health Center

Seizures can last from just a few seconds up to a few minutes. The greatest majority of seizures stop on their own. However, in rare cases seizures can last hours, requiring urgent medical attention.

If you notice a person having a seizure, protect the person from harm until he or she regains awareness and control.

The following are some tips that can decrease the chances of injury during a seizure:

• Lower the patient into a reclining position on the floor or a flat surface.
• Put something soft under their head.
• Turn the head gently to one side to prevent any vomit from being sucked into the lungs as the person breathes.
• If the person is confused during a seizure and is moving around, remove anything from the area that may cause injury to the patient or to others, such as a pan of boiling water or a hot iron.
• During a seizure, do NOT do the following:
  • Do not force anything into their mouth.
  • Do not give them water or medicine until the seizure is over. Do not try to stop the jerking movement.

People with epilepsy can lead full, active lives and usually return to normal activity after a seizure. However, in some cases, the seizure is prolonged or the patient does not regain consciousness between seizures. In either case you should call 911 if this happens.

If the person stops breathing, call 911 and perform CPR.