New to Seizures and Epilepsy

How We Can Help

The Epilepsy Foundation's Epilepsy & Seizures 24/7 Helpline provides compassionate telephone and email support, guidance, and referral to national and local resources. 

Community Education Programs

Everyone should know what to do when a seizure happens. Epilepsy and seizure first aid training is available through local offices and our website. Training is available for individuals and those in specific careers. 

Managing Your Epilepsy

Find tips and information on the importance of managing stress, taking medications as prescribed, and knowing your seizure triggers. These tips will help you manage your epilepsy and improve seizure control. 

Self-Management Tools

Learn more about the resources that people living with seizures can use to help manage their epilepsy.  

Healthcare Visits

Getting good medical care for epilepsy and seizures is a team effort. You are the most important member of the team! You want answers, and your doctor needs information from you, too. This section of the toolkit explains how you can take an active role in your health care.

Dare To Say Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) 

This section of the New to Seizures and Epilepsy Toolkit talks about sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), knowing your risk, tips for taking control of your seizures, and the importance of talking about SUDEP with healthcare professionals, family members, and peers.

Seizures and Safety

Depending on the type of seizure, people may fall or hurt themselves in a variety of ways. Cuts, burns, bumps, and bruises can happen. More serious injuries can happen too, especially if someone falls and is not aware of what’s going on around them. Get tips for preventing injuries and staying safe.

Seizure First Aid Poster

Whether you are new to seizures as a person living with epilepsy or as a caregiver, knowing seizure first aid and telling others what to do in the event of a seizure can help to prevent injuries and potentially save lives. This poster includes first aid for all seizure types and includes information on when to call 911.  

Understanding Seizures and Epilepsy

Find answers to basic questions about epilepsy, including:  

• What causes epilepsy?
• Who has epilepsy?
• How is epilepsy diagnosed and treated?
• What are some of the common types of seizures?

Seizure Action Plan Form 

Having a seizure response plan available for schools, workplaces, or even to carry on-hand can be helpful in making sure that an individual receives the best care in the event of a seizure. Bring the form to your next doctor's visit and create a custom plan for your needs.