First aid for Epilepsy – action to be taken during a seizure episode

Epilepsy is a neurological condition that can cause sudden, brief changes in behavior, movement, or awareness. When a child experiences a seizure, it can be distressing for caregivers or bystanders. However, staying calm and knowing the right steps to take can make a significant difference in ensuring the child’s safety and comfort.

The infographic above provides first aid guidance for epilepsy and outlines what actions to take during a seizure episode. These steps are simple, practical, and can be followed by anyone caring for a child with epilepsy, whether it is a parent, teacher, relative, or friend.

Why first aid knowledge matters

For many families, epilepsy can feel unpredictable. Seizures may occur at home, at school, or in public spaces. Understanding how to respond during such episodes helps caregivers feel more confident and prepared. It also reassures the child that they are safe, cared for, and supported wherever they are.

First aid for epilepsy does not mean stopping the seizure. It focuses on keeping the person safe until the seizure passes and ensuring they receive any medical attention they may need afterward.

Dos and don’ts during a seizure episode

When a seizure occurs, every second counts. Here are some general dos and don’ts to help you respond effectively:

Do:

1. Stay calm and stay with the child. Your calmness helps others around you stay composed.
2. Keep the child safe. Move sharp or hard objects away to prevent injury.
3. Gently turn them on their side. This helps keep the airway clear and prevents choking.
4. Place something soft under their head. This helps protect the head from impact.
5. Note the time. Track how long the seizure lasts. Most seizures last a few seconds to two minutes.
6. After the seizure, reassure the child. Stay with them until they are fully alert and aware.

Don’t:

1. Do not put anything in their mouth. This can cause injury or choking.
2. Do not restrain or hold the person down. Allow the seizure to take its natural course.
3. Do not offer food, water, or medicine until the person is fully awake and aware.
4. Do not panic. Most seizures end naturally and do not require emergency intervention.

When to seek immediate medical help

While most seizures end without serious consequences, there are situations that require emergency medical attention. Please call for help or go to the nearest hospital if:

• The seizure lasts longer than five minutes.
• Another seizure begins immediately after the first one.
• The child has trouble breathing or remains unconscious after the episode.
• The child experiences an injury during the seizure.
• This is the child’s first-ever seizure.

Supporting long-term seizure management

First aid is only one part of epilepsy care. Tracking seizure activity regularly helps doctors and caregivers identify patterns, possible triggers, and how well treatments are working.

You can download and use a seizure diary template from the Nayi Disha platform. This diary helps you record:

• The date, time, and duration of each seizure
• The child’s activity or surroundings before the seizure
• Any possible triggers such as fatigue, missed medication, or flashing lights
• The response to treatment or recovery time afterward
  

Keeping consistent records empowers both caregivers and healthcare professionals to make informed decisions about your child’s ongoing care.

Please download a template of a seizure diary. You may use it to record your child’s seizure history. Additionally, you can also check out these videos on learning and understanding more about epilepsy. 

Acknowledgements

We thank our volunteers Ms Sailaja Tadimeti and Mr Krishnaji Devalkar for translating this content into Telugu, and Ms Prerana Chouk and Ms Hemanta Nijhawan for translating it into Hindi. Their time and effort help make this important resource more accessible to caregivers and families across India.

Need more support?

If you have questions about autism, Down syndrome, ADHD, or other intellectual and developmental disabilities, or have concerns about developmental delays in a child, the Nayi Disha team is here to help.

For any questions or queries, please contact our free helpline at 844-844-8996. You can call or send a WhatsApp message. Our counsellors speak English, Hindi, Malayalam, Gujarati, Marathi, Telugu, and Bengali.

Disclaimer

Please note that this guide is for information purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare practitioner for personalized medical guidance, treatment, and safe management of epilepsy or seizure-related conditions.