"Seeing a seizure for the first time isn't easy -- especially if it's someone you know. Your mind starts racing. You try to remember back to your high school first aid class. You wrack your brain trying to think of anything that applies, but nothing's coming to you and you may start to panic. This happens every day, and the results can be really bad. So many injuries occur because people respond to seizures incorrectly, like putting objects in a seizing person's mouth. I want to make sure everyone knows what to do when someone is having a seizure. Seizure first aid is really simple. Many times, you just need to stay by the person to make sure they're okay. Please take a little time to learn about how to help. Remember, the next time you see a seizure, it could be happening to someone you care about."

Seizures occur when normal electrical brain patterns are interrupted by intermittent bursts of intense electrical energy, affecting a person's consciousness, bodily movements or sensations for a short time. The unusual bursts of energy may occur in just one area of the brain (partial seizures), or may affect nerve cells throughout the brain (generalized seizures). Normal brain function cannot return until the electrical bursts subside.

Seizure first aid is designed to, in very simple steps, keep the person safe until either the seizure stops or until medical help arrives. Many times seizures are not emergencies, so it is not necessary to summon medical assistance.

First aid for generalized seizures

First aid for partial seizures

First aid for special circumstances

When to seek medical assistance

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