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Recovery From Seizures

A seizure is a surge in the electrical activity in the brain that typically lasts less than five minutes and may only last a few seconds. A person having a seizure may suddenly fall to the floor and become unresponsive, become unconscious or jerk uncontrollably, but many seizures are minor and may not even be noticeable to others. There are many causes of seizures, including medical conditions such as epilepsy, head injuries, high fevers and poisoning. Recovering from a seizure depends on the type and duration of the seizure.

  1. Rest

    • One of the most important things to do after a seizure is to allow your body time to rest and recover. A person may be extremely tired and need to sleep for a few hours before having enough energy to resume normal activities. The need to sleep after a seizure is normal and is not a sign of a complication. In fact, people who go to sleep immediately after a seizure should not be awakened. However, if they cannot be roused after about 30 minutes of deep sleep, you should seek medical attention.

    In Children

    • Children may need some help from a parent or caretaker after a seizure has ended. First, when you believe the seizure is over, roll the child onto his side. Keep in mind, though, that you should not try to move the child while he is seizing. Also, children sometimes loss control of their faculties while having a seizure and may have soiled or wet their pants. Finally, after the child is fully awake and interacting after a seizure, it's a good idea to offer a drink and a snack to help the body recover.

    When to Seek Help

    • Most people who suffer seizures will come out of it with no problems; however, there are some signs that should be watched for. First, seek immediate medical attention the first time someone has a seizure. If a person has a diagnosed seizure disorder such as epilepsy, seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur during or after a seizure: a bluish color appears around the face or neck, seizing lasts more than five minutes or the head becomes injured.

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