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Seizure Checklist

The Centers for Disease Control, or CDC, states that ten percent of people will experience a seizure at some point in their lifetime. Not all seizures are the same, and not all require calling 911. In the event of a seizure, it is important to stay calm and provide basic assistance to the person having the seizure. A seizure checklist can help you provide the correct support.

  1. Grand Mal Seizure

    • A grand mal, or tonic clonic, seizure involves a loss of consciousness and muscle contractions that are generally violent, according to the Mayo Clinic. It is important to keep calm and help the person having the seizure stay safe.

      Help the person slowly get to the floor, putting something soft and flat beneath his head, and turn the person onto his side to help keep a clear airway.

      Ensure that the area is free of sharp or potentially dangerous objects.

      Remove glasses and any objects around the neck such as a tie or necklace,

      Time the seizure and take note of the symptoms.

      Do not restrict movement or put anything in the person's mouth.

      Stay with the person until he is fully awake. Offer to help get the person home if necessary.

    Non-Convulsive Seizure

    • Not all seizures involve full loss of consciousness and muscle contractions. The CDC explains that some seizures are characterized by a blank stare, loss of awareness, as well as involuntary facial movements such as blinking or chewing. If someone is having a non-convulsive seizure, remember to stay calm and provide support.

      Remove all dangerous objects from the person's path, but do not try to block or restrain her.

      Speak reassuringly; do not yell at the person or shake her.

      If the person is violent, keep a safe distance but stay with her.

      Do not leave the person until the seizure is over and the person has regained complete awareness.

    When to Call 911

    • Be sure to call 911 in any of these events:

      A seizure that lasts more than five minutes, occurs in water, or is a person's first seizure.

      If a second seizure quickly follows the first.

      If the person becomes injured during the seizure or has difficulty breathing or waking up after the seizure has ended.

      If the person is pregnant or has a medical condition, including diabetes or heart disease.

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