If someone is having a seizure, turn them gently onto their side, cushion their head, clear away hard objects, and time it. Never restrain them or put anything in their mouth. Call +91-8282 8989 18 if the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, repeats, or if it's their first-ever seizure.
Seizures are frightening to witness, and a lot of what people believe about what to do is actually wrong β sometimes dangerously so. Here's what genuinely helps, and the common myths to leave behind.
What this guide covers
What to Do During a Seizure
β Do this
- Stay calm and stay with them β your steady presence matters.
- Gently turn them onto their side (recovery position) β this helps keep the airway clear.
- Cushion their head with something soft, like a folded cloth or jacket.
- Clear away hard or sharp objects nearby so they don't get hurt during movements.
- Loosen anything tight around their neck.
- Time the seizure from start to end β this detail matters for treatment afterward.
Figure 1: Correct first aid for a seizure β and the myths to leave behind.
What You Must Never Do
π« Dangerous myths β avoid these
- Never put anything in their mouth β not your fingers, not a spoon, not cloth. This is a widespread myth and can injure their teeth, jaw, or your fingers. It does not stop tongue-biting, and contrary to belief, a person having a seizure cannot swallow their tongue.
- Do not restrain their movements or try to hold them still β this can cause injury to both of you without stopping the seizure.
- Do not give water, food, or medicine by mouth during or immediately after a seizure β risk of choking.
- Do not crowd around them β give them space and let the seizure run its course.
After the Seizure Ends
Once the seizure stops, keep them on their side, stay with them, and speak calmly as they regain awareness β they may be confused or disoriented for a few minutes, and this is normal. Do not offer food or water until they are fully alert and able to swallow safely.
"The instinct to hold someone down or put something in their mouth comes from good intentions, but both can genuinely hurt them. The best thing you can do is protect them from injury, time it, and stay calm."β Dr. Chaitanya Pilladi, Consultant Anaesthesiologist & Intensivist
When It's a Medical Emergency
π« Call for emergency help if
- The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes
- Another seizure starts before they regain consciousness
- They are injured during the seizure
- Breathing doesn't return to normal afterward
- This is their first-ever seizure
- The seizure happened in water, or during pregnancy
Even seizures that resolve on their own within a few minutes are worth a medical follow-up, especially if the cause isn't already known and managed. Sri Ganga Hospital's emergency and neurology-aware teams are available 24Γ7 for seizure evaluation and management.
What Happens When You Arrive at Sri Ganga
- Neurological assessment β checking alertness and any lingering weakness or confusion after the seizure.
- Blood tests β to check for causes like low blood sugar, electrolyte imbalance, or infection.
- Cause evaluation β for a first-ever seizure, further tests or imaging may be arranged to understand why it happened.
- Guidance going forward β whether this needs ongoing specialist follow-up, and what to do if it happens again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if someone is having a seizure?
Turn them gently onto their side, cushion their head with something soft, move away any hard or sharp objects nearby, time the seizure, and stay with them until it ends. Stay calm and do not restrain their movements.
Should I put something in the mouth of someone having a seizure?
No. Never put anything in the mouth of someone having a seizure, including your fingers. This is a myth that can cause injury to their teeth, jaw, or your fingers, and does not prevent tongue-biting as commonly believed.
When does a seizure become a medical emergency?
Call for emergency help if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, if another seizure starts before the person regains consciousness, if they are injured, having trouble breathing afterward, or if it is their first-ever seizure.
Key takeaways
- Turn the person on their side, cushion their head, clear the area, and time it
- Never put anything in their mouth or restrain their movements
- Stay calm and stay with them until they're fully alert
- Seizures over 5 minutes, repeated seizures, or a first-ever seizure need emergency care
This guide is for general awareness and does not replace professional medical care. If you witness a seizure, especially a first one, seek medical evaluation.
- Epilepsy Foundation. Seizure First Aid Guidelines.
- World Health Organization. Epilepsy Fact Sheet.
- National Health Mission, MoHFW. Emergency Medical Services (108) Guidelines.
Witnessed a Seizure? We're Ready 24Γ7
Our emergency team is available around the clock for seizure evaluation and management, whether it's a first episode or part of an ongoing condition.
π¨ Call +91-8282 8989 18 π Book an AppointmentRelated reading: 24Γ7 Emergency Care in Rajahmundry β Complete Patient Guide