Supporting someone with epilepsy

1. Ease them to the ground if they seem to be falling
2. Turn them onto one side to keep the airway clear
3. Clear the space around them
4. Put something soft and flat, like a jacket, under their head
5. Take off their glasses
6. Loosen anything tight around the neck

Many seizures don’t involve falling or shaking. The person may stare, seem confused, wander, make unusual movements or not answer you.

• Don’t grab or hold them back unless they are in danger
• Gently guide them away from danger, like roads or stairs
• Speak softly and stay with them
• Time it

Some people have a written seizure action plan with their own first aid steps and contacts. If you know it, follow it.

Don’t hold the person down or try to stop their movements. Most seizures end on their own.

Never put anything in their mouth. It is impossible to swallow your tongue, and forcing something in can chip teeth, cut gums or break a jaw.

Don’t give mouth-to-mouth breaths during a seizure. If they have trouble breathing or don’t wake up afterwards, call 911.

Don’t offer water or food until the person is fully awake and alert.

• Ask people to move along kindly
• Keep the details to yourself unless they say otherwise
• Never film or post about it
• Offer a jacket if they’ve wet themselves or their clothes are disturbed

• “It lasted about two minutes.”
• “Take your time. Do you want me to call anyone?”
• “You had a seizure. You’re safe. I stayed with you.”

• “I’m around if you want to talk about it, or not.”
• “Is there anything that would make this easier?”
• “Want a lift on Thursday?”
• “What would you like me to do if you have a seizure?”

• “Are you sure it’s not just stress?”
• “My cousin cured hers with a special diet.”
• “Should you really be doing that?” (in front of others)
• “You don’t look sick.”

Most people with epilepsy can do as much as anyone else. Help plan for safety, like swimming with a buddy, instead of telling them what they can’t do.

Depression and anxiety are the two most common mental health conditions in adults with epilepsy. If they seem low for a while, gently ask how they are really doing.

A seizure action plan gives school staff first aid steps and your contacts. CDC asks schools to train staff in seizure first aid and to prevent bullying.

Worrying about seizures at night is very common for parents. Talk with your child’s care team about safety at night and what would help you rest.

Explain seizures in simple words, teach older siblings when to get an adult, and make one-on-one time for them as well.

Let teens help write their safety plan and tell their own friends. Feeling in control can ease anger and embarrassment.

Agree together on what support looks like, and check in now and then. Keep making time for fun and closeness, not just health talk.

Someone who can’t drive may miss out quietly. Offer lifts, pick places they can reach, and keep the invitations coming.

Employers must generally keep medical information confidential. First aid staff may be told what to do if a seizure happens.

If a colleague shares their diagnosis, ask what they want you to do, and don’t pass it on.

The Epilepsy Foundation’s on-demand course teaches how to respond to a seizure, with a certificate of completion. There is also a longer certification course of about 90 minutes, valid for two years.

For families, friends and anyone affected by epilepsy. Not for emergencies. Check epilepsy.com/helpline for current hours.

If you, or the person you support, is struggling emotionally or thinking about suicide.

Use your local emergency number. Your national epilepsy association can tell you about local training. findahelpline.com lists emotional support lines by country.