Seizures: What They Are and How to Deal With Them

Ever seen someone suddenly shake or stare blankly and wonder what’s happening? That’s a seizure. It’s a burst of uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain that can last seconds to minutes. Not all seizures look the same—some are subtle, others are dramatic. Knowing the basics helps you stay calm and act fast.

Common Types and Triggers

There are two main groups: generalized seizures, which involve the whole brain, and focal seizures, which start in one area. Generalized seizures often cause stiffening or rhythmic jerking. Focal seizures might make a person feel numb, see strange colors, or act oddly without losing consciousness.

Typical triggers include missed meals, sleep loss, flashing lights, alcohol binge, and sudden medication changes. Fever can spark seizures in kids, while stress and hormonal shifts often affect adults. If you notice a pattern, you can often avoid the next episode.

First‑Aid Steps Anyone Can Follow

First, stay calm. If the person is standing, gently guide them down to prevent injury. Clear the area of hard objects and loosen tight clothing around the neck.

Do not put anything in their mouth—teeth won’t be knocked out and trying to stuff objects can cause choking. Time the seizure if you can; most stop on their own within two minutes. When it ends, check breathing. If they’re not breathing, call emergency services immediately.

After the seizure, turn the person onto their side (recovery position) to keep fluids from entering the lungs. Stay with them until they’re fully alert. Offer reassurance; many feel embarrassed or confused after an episode.

When to call a doctor? If the seizure lasts more than five minutes, repeats without full recovery, or happens after a head injury, get medical help right away. Also contact a professional if it’s the first seizure, if the person is pregnant, or if they have other health issues like diabetes.

Long‑term treatment usually involves medication, lifestyle tweaks, and sometimes surgery. Anti‑seizure drugs (ASDs) balance brain chemistry, but finding the right one can take time. Keep a seizure diary—write down date, time, duration, and any possible triggers. This record helps doctors adjust treatment and spot patterns.

Beyond meds, quality sleep, regular meals, stress management, and avoiding alcohol can lower seizure frequency. Some people benefit from a ketogenic diet or Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) therapy. Always discuss options with a neurologist who specializes in epilepsy.

Living with seizures isn’t a life sentence. With the right info, a solid safety plan, and regular medical follow‑up, most people lead normal, active lives. Keep this guide handy, share it with family and friends, and remember: quick, calm action makes a big difference when a seizure strikes.