First Aid for Seizures

Dr. Jeffrey Britton, neurologist and epilepsy specialist at Mayo Clinic, explains first aid for seizures. Visit http://mayocl.in/2o1cpIu for more information on care at Mayo Clinic or to request an appointment. Seizures are a frightening, yet common event. Epilepsy affects approximately 0.5 – 1% of the population. You may experience those with epilepsy in the workplace or at school, without realizing it if their seizures are well controlled. The first thing to keep in mind when witnessing a seizure, that more than 95% of seizures are self-limited events and will stop within 1-2 minutes after onset. Also, it is important to note that the chance of dying during a seizure is quite low. It’s important to help minimize risk associated with seizures, including injury. The most important thing to remember for first aid for seizures is to lay the person on their side—right or left—but not on their back. Dr. Britton dispels myths related to first aid for seizures and discusses when it is appropriate to contact emergency personnel.