Specialized Epilepsy Treatment Program for Children & Adults

• Local Epilepsy Foundation
• National Epilepsy Foundation
• Chelsea Hutchison Foundation: Service Dogs, Monitors, and SUDEP 

When an epileptic seizure occurs, the following should be done to prevent injuries:

1. Do not hold or tie the person down.
2. Do not place anything in the person's mouth or try to force the teeth apart. The person is not in danger of swallowing their tongue.
3. Do not pour any liquid into the person's mouth or offer food or medicines until he is fully awake.
4. If possible, turn the person on his side during the seizure.
5. Place something soft under the person's head, loosen tight clothing, and clear the area of sharp or hard objects.
6. Stay with the person until the seizure ends. Let the person rest until he is fully awake.
7. Use a watch to time how long the seizure lasts.
8. Watch the type of movement and position of the person's head or eyes during the seizure.

Click here for more information on seizure recognition and first aid certification from the Epilepsy Foundation.

Symptoms depend on the type of seizures that a person has.

Generalized seizures may cause:

• Eye blinking or staring into space
• Crying out
• Loss of consciousness
• Falling to the ground
• Muscle jerking or spasms
• Feelings of tiredness after the seizure has ended

Partial seizures may cause:

• Muscle twitching
• Sensing a strange taste or smell
• Confusion or a dazed feeling
• Inability to respond to questions or directions

Learning and avoiding triggers can help some people with their seizures. Triggers can differ from person to person. Some common triggers are:

• Missed medication
• Lack of sleep
• Flashing bright lights
• Excessive alcohol use
• Drug use
• Stress

Seizures happen because of abnormal brain activity. For many people, it is not known why this happens. Some known causes are:

• Stroke
• Head trauma
• Alcohol use disorder
• Diseases that get worse over time, such as Alzheimer disease
• Brain damage
• Brain tumors
• Infections, such as bacterial meningitis
• Genetic problems
• Problems with the immune system

Things that may raise the risk of seizure disorder are:

• Cerebrovascular disease in older adults
• Parasitic diseases, such as malaria or cysticercosis
• Alcohol use disorder