First aid for attacks

Do you always need to give first aid during an epileptic seizure?

In most cases, first aid is not necessary. Seizures usually stop on their own after a few seconds or minutes.
It is important that someone stays nearby and makes sure the child cannot get hurt.

Epileptic seizures can look very different. Each type of seizure needs its own approach. That’s why it’s important to know:

How to help your child during and after a seizure
When to call for medical help

Below, we explain what you can do step by step and what signs need extra attention.

General principles – What to do during a seizure?

Ensure safety: Remove sharp or dangerous objects from around your child.
If there are jerking movements: If possible, gently lay your child on the ground on their side. This helps breathing and prevents choking.
If your child is walking around or making strange movements (automatisms): Make the surroundings safe. Remove obstacles and guide your child calmly without forcing them.

How long does a seizure last and when should you act?

Short seizures: Most seizures stop on their own within 1–2 minutes. Seizures shorter than 5 minutes do not cause brain damage.
Long seizures: Seizures lasting more than 10 minutes can sometimes cause brain damage, especially if your child is unconscious and has jerking in all arms and legs (convulsive seizure).
When to act: If a seizure with unconsciousness and jerking lasts longer than 5 minutes, emergency medication should be given to stop it.

After a seizure

Comfort your child: After a seizure, your child may be confused, tired, irritable, or disoriented. This usually passes. Stay calm and supportive.
Usually no medical help needed: Most seizures do not require a doctor.
Call a doctor if:
- It is the first seizure.
- The seizure was caused by a fall or head injury.
- Your child has several seizures in a row without recovery in between.
- Your child was seriously injured during the seizure.

When to call a doctor or ambulance?

Call immediately if:

The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes with unconsciousness and jerking (tonic-clonic seizure), or if several seizures occur close together.
It is the first seizure.
Your child remains confused for more than 30 minutes after the seizure.
Your child was seriously injured or swallowed an object during the seizure.

Specific approaches for different seizures

Absences

During an absence, your child is “away” for a few seconds without jerking. This can happen many times a day. They may stop mid-sentence and need you to repeat what you said.
If absences continue despite medication, contact your doctor. They can look like daydreaming, but an EEG can confirm the diagnosis.

Focal seizures

These start in one part of the brain and look different from typical seizures. Your child may:

Wave their arms
Start walking around
Smack their lips or swallow

Most stop on their own within a few minutes.
If awareness is reduced, your child may be at risk (touching something hot or crossing a street).

What to do:

Stay calm and talk to your child.
Remove dangerous objects.
Do not hold your child – this can make them aggressive.

Tonic-clonic seizures

Your child suddenly loses consciousness. First, the body stiffens, then jerking movements follow. The seizure usually lasts a few minutes and stops on its own.
What to do: