HealthInfo West Coast-Te Tai Poutini
Seizures
There are different types of seizures, most of which last for a few minutes. When a seizure happens the person may:
- call out
- fall
- start shaking or jerking
- have shallow breathing
- lose control of their bladder or bowels
- not be aware of what is happening around them.
How can I help someone who is having a seizure?
Stay with them.- Protect them from injury – move any hard and sharp things out of the way, and cushion their head with something flat and soft, such as a folded jacket.
- Take off their glasses if they wear any.
- Loosen ties or anything tight around their necks.
- Check if they are wearing a medical alert bracelet or pendant so you can let the emergency services know.
- When the seizure has stopped lay them gently on their side in the recovery position.
- Comfort and reassure the person.
- Stay with them until they are fully awake and have recovered.
Do not:
- put anything in their mouths
- hold them down or try to move them, unless they are in danger.
When should I call for an ambulance?
Phone 111 for an ambulance if:
- there is food or vomit in their mouth
- they are having difficulty breathing once they have stopped jerking
- the seizure happens in water
- the seizure lasts longer than five minutes
- the person is not responsive five minutes after the seizure has stopped.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- St John – Seizures or convulsions
More information about what causes seizures, the different kinds of seizures, and what to do if someone is having one.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Page created December 2016.
SourceReview key: HIFAD-141030
