Living with Seizures

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What are seizures?

• A seizure is a surge of electrical activity in your brain that causes a sudden change in behavior.

Seizures affect different people in different ways, such as:

• Muscle spasms (twitching, tight or jerking muscles)
• Numbness or tingling
• Drowsiness or confusion
• Loss of consciousness
• Inability to speak
• Loss of bladder, bowel and muscle control
• Seeing or hearing things that aren’t there

People with certain chronic conditions or illnesses may have seizures.

• Epilepsy
• Down Syndrome
• Autism
• Cerebral palsy
• Hypoglycemia

Seizures usually last for just a few seconds or minutes.

• Between seizures, people usually feel fine and lead active lives.

Seizures can lead to physical injury.

• Seizures generally aren’t harmful by themselves.
• However, during a seizure, you could:
  • Lose consciousness and fall down
  • Bruise yourself or break a bone
  • Choke on food or vomit

Can you tell if you’re about to have a seizure?

• You might have strange feelings before a seizure.
• These feelings are called an “aura.”
• An aura can be:
  • Dizziness
  • An unusual smell, taste or vision
  • An uneasy feeling or upset stomach

If you think you’re about to have a seizure:

• Tell someone!
• Lie down on your side on a soft surface (like a carpet).

You should get medical help right away if:

• The seizure lasts more than 5 minutes
• This is the first time you’ve had a seizure
• Another seizure starts quickly after the first one
• Your breathing is not normal after the seizure
• The seizure occurred in the water
• You’re not fully awake after the seizure has stopped

You should also get medical help if you:

• Have diabetes
• Are pregnant
• Have high or low blood sugar
• Have a fever
• Were hurt during the seizure

You can be prepared for seizures.

• Tell family members, friends and caregivers what they should do if you have a seizure.
  • You can print out this list about responding to seizures.
• Wear a bracelet or necklace with information about your seizure disorder.

How can you prevent seizures?

• Take your medications as prescribed (#1 reason for unexpected seizures).
• Avoid things that can trigger your seizures, like stress.
  • Get lots of rest.
  • Exercise!
• Ask your doctor about what to eat and drink.
  • People who have seizures often should not drink alcohol.

How can you prevent injury during a seizure?

• Avoid situations that may be dangerous during a seizure.
  • Take showers instead of baths.
  • Don’t drive without a doctor’s okay.
  • Bring along a friend when you exercise or go on long walks.
  • Never swim/play in the water alone.
  • Avoid using space heaters.
  • Avoid using electrical appliances in the bathroom.
  • Don’t smoke or light fires when alone.
  • Use chairs with arms to prevent falling.

You can learn more about seizures and epilepsy:

• Check out these resources:
  • Epilepsy Foundation – What is Epilepsy
  • All About Epilepsy and Seizures

Find out how to manage and prepare for seizures:

• The Basics of Epilepsy
• Epilepsy Foundation – First Aid
• Downloadable Guide to First Aid for Seizures