"What should I do if I (or my friend or loved one) has a seizure?" This is the most common question asked by people with seizures and their friends and families. Nothing is more difficult than feeling helpless when a seizure occurs. This section will help the user be prepared to respond to seizures safely and appropriately.

While responding to seizures may differ for the various types of seizures, there are general guidelines on what to do for all types of seizures. First aid steps can then be tailored to whether a person's awareness is affected during or after a seizure and other specific situations. These responses fall into the category of 'Care and Comfort Seizure First Aid'.

At times, ways to intervene and help stop or shorten seizures may be recommended by your doctor and other health care providers. This is called giving 'as needed' or 'rescue' medicines or treatments. When treatments are recommended as part of your seizure first aid, it is critical that you and anyone who may be with you during a seizure know what to do and how to give these treatments correctly and safely.

In this section you will find information on:

• General first aid
• Witnessing a seizure
• Seizure drills
• Tailoring first aid plans
• Recording what happens
• Keeping information handy
• 'As needed' Medicines – Overview
• When to use 'as needed' medicines
• Types of medicine for 'as needed' use
• Diastat 101
• Oral or sublingual medicines 101
• VNS Therapy 101
• Responding to specific situations - In development

Continue to General First Aid for All Seizure Types

Topic Editor: Steven C. Schachter, MD and Patricia O. Shafer, RN, MN.
Last Reviewed:5/25/07