Quick Answer
Knowing seizure first aid saves lives. The key steps are simple: protect the person, time the seizure, and call emergency services if it lasts more than 5 minutes.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Jitendra Prasad Yadav • NMC 8029 • Kathmandu Neurology Clinic & Cognitive Center
Knowing seizure first aid saves lives. The key steps are simple: protect the person, time the seizure, and call emergency services if it lasts more than 5 minutes.
What to do during a seizure: Stay calm and note the time the seizure starts. Clear the area around the person of sharp or hard objects that could cause injury. If the person falls, gently guide them to the ground and cushion their head with something soft —— a folded jacket, pillow, or rolled towel. Turn them on their side (recovery position) once jerking stops to help keep the airway clear. Loosen any tight clothing around the neck. Stay with the person until they are fully awake and oriented.
Dr. Jitendra Prasad Yadav — consultant neurologist & headache specialist at Kathmandu Neurology Clinic & Cognitive Center provides evidence-based evaluation for epilepsy.
What NOT to do: Do not put anything in the person's mouth —— objects, fingers, or liquid can cause choking, broken teeth, or aspiration. Do not restrain the person or try to stop the jerking movements —— this does not prevent injury and can cause muscle or joint damage. Do not attempt CPR during the seizure. Do not give food or drink until the person is fully alert and can swallow safely.
When to call emergency services: Call immediately if the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, if one seizure follows another without the person regaining consciousness, if the person is injured during the seizure, if the person is pregnant or has diabetes, if it is the person's first known seizure, or if breathing does not return to normal after jerking stops.
After the seizure (post-ictal care): Once jerking stops, the person may be confused, drowsy, or disoriented for minutes to hours —— this is normal. Keep them in the recovery position (on their side) until fully alert. Speak calmly and reassure them. Do not leave them alone. Offer orientation —— tell them where they are, what happened, and the date. Avoid overwhelming them with questions or stimulation.
Seizure diary importance: Keeping a seizure diary —— recording date, time, duration, what happened before and after, possible triggers, and recovery details —— helps the treating neurologist evaluate patterns and adjust management. Witnesses should note what they observed, as the person experiencing the seizure may not remember it. Bring the diary to every neurology consultation at Kathmandu Neurology Clinic & Cognitive Center.
Dr. Jitendra Prasad Yadav (NMC 8029) emphasises seizure first aid education as part of epilepsy management at Kathmandu Neurology Clinic & Cognitive Center, Durbar Marg, Opposite of Yak & Yeti Hotel.
This article is educational and does not replace individual medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
Answers reviewed by Dr. Jitendra Prasad Yadav • MBBS, MD (Internal Medicine), FICN (Neurology), FCNV, FIHM • NMC 8029
Not necessarily; a single unprovoked seizure needs careful assessment before a diagnosis of epilepsy is made.
No; seizures vary widely. Some involve jerking (generalized or focal), while others present as staring spells, automatisms, or behavioral change with no apparent movement.
Not necessarily. A single unprovoked seizure needs full assessment before diagnosing epilepsy. Provoked seizures have different implications.
Protect from injury, do not put objects in mouth, time the event, turn recovery position after jerking, call emergency if >5 minutes or injury.
No. A single unprovoked seizure is not epilepsy — epilepsy requires recurrence risk or syndrome criteria (ILAE 2014). Evaluation includes witness/video history, EEG ideally within 48 hours, and MRI when focal. Dr. Jitendra counsels on sleep, alcohol, adherence and driving per local rules, and medication only when risk …
Keep the person safe: ease them to the ground, turn onto side, clear nearby objects, do not put anything in mouth, time the event. If seizure lasts over 5 minutes, repeats without recovery, or breathing is impaired, call emergency. Afterward, arrange neurology evaluation with witness/video history for Dr. Jitendra.
More: All FAQs → · Ask Dr. Jitendra →
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References & Review
Reviewed by Dr. Jitendra Prasad Yadav • Last reviewed: 2026-09-04
- International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (ICHD-3).
- Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine — Neurology sections.
- American Academy of Neurology guidelines for selected conditions (where applicable).
Content is educational and aligns with standard medical references; individual evaluation may vary. External links provide context and do not imply endorsement.