A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain. It can cause a variety of symptoms, including convulsions, muscle spasms, loss of consciousness, and abnormal movements or sensations. Seizures can be caused by a number of factors, including genetics, brain injury, infection, and underlying medical conditions such as epilepsy.
If you or someone you know is having a seizure, it’s important to stay calm and take the following steps:
- Keep the person safe: Clear the area around them of any sharp or hard objects, and cushion their head if they are prone.
- Do not try to stop their movements: Allow the seizure to run its course, but try to keep the person from hurting themselves.
- Time the seizure: Record the start and end time of the seizure to help with diagnosis and treatment.
- Turn the person on their side: This can help to clear the airway and prevent choking.
- Stay with the person: Offer comfort and reassurance until the seizure stops and they are fully awake.
If the seizure lasts for more than five minutes, or if the person has multiple seizures in a row without regaining consciousness, it is considered a medical emergency and you should call 911 or your local emergency services.
It’s also important to seek medical attention for any seizure, even if it seems mild or resolves on its own, as it can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition that requires treatment.
