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Please call 911 immediately if you are having chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, sudden weakness or numbness, or if you think you have a medical emergency.

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Seizures Emergencies Treatment

Self-Care at Home

Home care is appropriate when a person is known to have seizures, if the seizure is brief, and if the person recovers uneventfully.

  • Prevent injuries.

    • Cushion the head.

    • Loosen any tight neckwear.

    • Turn the person on his or her side after the convulsion ceases. This may help drain any moisture or secretions from the person's mouth.

    • Do not attempt to hold down or restrain the person.

    • Do not place anything in the person's mouth or try to pry the teeth apart.

    • Observe these items: length of seizure, type of movements, direction of any head or eye turning, amount of time to return to alertness and full consciousness.

WebMD Medical Reference from eMedicineHealth

Reviewed by Charlotte E. Grayson Mathis, MD on May 24, 2006
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor.