A seizure or convulsion can occur at any age and is due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain resulting in uncontrollable muscular activity and loss
of consciousness. There are many types of seizures, with some being relatively mild and others severe and prolonged.

A  seizure can involve violent jerking of the limbs, facial twitching, and foaming at the mouth due to saliva being blown through clenched teeth. The seizure may last for a few minutes and the person may need several hours in which to recover.

Symptoms and signs – Not all may be present

• jerking or twitching of the face and limbs
• foaming at the mouth
• loss of consciousness
• loss of control of bladder and/or bowel
• flushed and dry skin in a child having a feverish convulsion

How you can help

1.      Protect the person from injury

• Check the immediate area for hazards and remove them if possible. 
• If the patient is close to a wall or hard furniture, pad the area with clothing or a pillow to avoid further injury.

DO NOT move or try to restrain the patient’s movements because this may result in a broken bone or soft tissue injury.

DO NOT try to pad between the patient’s teeth because this may damage the tissues in the mouth.

2.      Manage the seizure or convulsion

• Stay with the person until the seizure ends.
• If in a public place, keep bystanders clear and reassure them that the seizure will end soon.

Call 111 for an ambulance if the seizure does not stop after 5 minutes, if the person does not wake within 10 minutes, or is not breathing well.

3.      After the seizure

• As soon as the seizure ends, open and clear the airway, check normal breathing has returned and if so, quickly roll the unconscious patient onto their side.
• Cover the patient lightly with a coat or blanket. Check that normal breathing has resumed.
• Allow the patient to sleep until fully recovered, but check for a response every few minutes.

4.      Aftercare

• Check for a MedicAlert pendant or bracelet stating that the wearer suffers from epilepsy.
• Check for any injuries and apply necessary first aid.
• Reassure the patient as full consciousness is restored.
• Advise the patient not to drive. Try to arrange for someone to be with the patient until safely home.
• Advise the patient to contact their doctor to report the seizure and check that any prescribed medication is adequate.
• If the patient is known to have epilepsy, there is no need for medical aid or an ambulance unless the seizure lasted more than 5 minutes.

• See a doctor if it is the person’s first seizure or if it is
  a child following a febrile convulsion.

• Call Healthline on 0800 611 116 if you are uncertain.

Feverish Convulsions

Convulsions in infants and young children may occur following a sudden rise in body temperature. This is commonly associated with infections. Such convulsions without complications from the underlying illness do not cause damage or result in epilepsy.

How you can help

1.      Ensure the child’s safety from any hazards

2.      Remove all clothing

• Cool the child slowly by uncovering them down to a nappy or pants.

Avoid giving anything to drink until the child is fully conscious.

3.      Wait until the convulsion ends

• Then roll the child or baby onto their side in a supported position.

4.      Open and clear the airway

• Check that normal breathing has returned.

5.      Reassure parents

If not breathing normally after the seizure, start CPR and call 111 for an ambulance.

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