Seizures: What They Look Like And When To Call 911

Seeing someone have a seizure can be frightening. Many people are unsure what they are witnessing or what they should do next.

Some seizures stop on their own. Others require immediate emergency care. Knowing when to act can help protect the person having the seizure and those around them.

This guide explains what seizures can look like, what to do during and after a seizure, and most importantly when to call 911.

If a seizure lasts longer than five minutes, happens for the first time, or is followed by trouble breathing or injury, call 911 immediately.

What Is A Seizure?

A seizure occurs when abnormal electrical activity in the brain temporarily disrupts normal function. This can affect movement, awareness, behavior, or sensation.

Not all seizures involve shaking or loss of consciousness. Some are subtle and may appear as confusion, staring, or repetitive movements.

Seizures can occur for many reasons including epilepsy, infection, head injury, stroke, low blood sugar, medication reactions, or alcohol withdrawal.

Because seizures can have many possible causes, medical evaluation is often needed.

What Does A Seizure Look Like?

Seizures can appear very different depending on the type.

Tonic Clonic Seizures

This is the type most people recognize.

Symptoms may include:

• Sudden loss of consciousness
• Body stiffening followed by rhythmic jerking
• Breathing changes
• Clenched jaw
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Confusion after the seizure ends

These seizures typically last one to three minutes. Longer episodes require emergency care.

Learn more from the Mayo Clinic at
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/epilepsy/symptoms-causes/syc-20350093

Focal Seizures

Focal seizures begin in one area of the brain and may or may not affect awareness.

Symptoms may include:

• Staring
• Lip smacking or chewing motions
• Repetitive movements
• Confusion
• Unusual sensations or emotions

A person may appear awake but not fully responsive.

Absence Seizures

Absence seizures occur more often in children.

They may include:

• Brief staring spells
• Sudden pauses in activity
• Subtle facial movements

They often last only seconds but can occur many times per day.

Seizure First Aid: What To Do

If you see someone having a seizure:

• Stay with them
• Help ease them to the ground if possible
• Turn them on their side
• Clear nearby objects
• Cushion their head
• Loosen tight clothing around the neck
• Time the seizure

Do not restrain them.
Do not put anything in their mouth.
Do not give food, drink, or medication.

According to the Epilepsy Foundation and the American Red Cross, people cannot swallow their tongue during a seizure and placing objects in the mouth can cause injury.

Helpful resources:
https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/seizure-first-aid-and-safety
https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/first-aid/performing-first-aid/seizures

What Happens After A Seizure?

After a seizure, many people experience a recovery phase called the postictal state.

This may include:

• Confusion
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Muscle soreness
• Difficulty speaking
• Emotional changes

This phase can last minutes or hours. Stay with the person until they are alert and oriented.

When To Call 911 For A Seizure

Call 911 immediately if any of the following occur:

• The seizure lasts five minutes or longer
• It is the person’s first seizure
• Breathing is difficult after the seizure
• Consciousness does not return
• Another seizure begins before recovery
• Multiple seizures occur in a short period
• The seizure happens in water
• The person is pregnant or has diabetes
• A serious injury occurs
• A high fever is present
• You are unsure what to do

A seizure lasting longer than five minutes is considered a medical emergency known as status epilepticus.

Learn more from the Epilepsy Foundation at
https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/seizures/seizure-emergencies

The CDC also provides seizure safety guidance at
https://www.cdc.gov/epilepsy/about/first-aid.html

First Seizure What To Do

A first seizure should always be evaluated medically.

Even if the seizure stops quickly, it is important to identify possible causes such as infection, head injury, metabolic imbalance, or neurological conditions.

If someone experiences their first seizure, emergency care is recommended.

Seizures In Children

Children may experience seizures due to fever, illness, or epilepsy.

Febrile seizures can occur during rapid temperature changes. While many are brief, emergency care is needed if:

• The seizure lasts longer than five minutes
• It is the child’s first seizure
• Breathing problems occur
• The child does not return to normal behavior

Parents should always seek medical guidance after a seizure in a child.

Seizure Vs Fainting, How To Tell The Difference

Fainting and seizures can appear similar.

Fainting often involves brief loss of consciousness with rapid recovery.

Seizures are more likely to involve jerking movements, confusion afterward, or a prolonged recovery period.

If it is unclear which occurred, medical evaluation is recommended.

Should I Go To The ER For A Seizure?

Emergency care is appropriate when seizures meet any of the 911 criteria listed above.

In other cases, medical evaluation may still be needed to determine cause and next steps.

Learn more about seizure care at iCare here:
https://www.icare-er.com/seizures/

How iCare ER And Urgent Care Can Help

Seizures can be unpredictable and stressful. Our team provides medical evaluation and guidance to determine the appropriate level of care.

iCare ER offers emergency services twenty four hours a day. Urgent Care services are available during posted hours for evaluation when appropriate.

If a seizure is prolonged, severe, or involves breathing problems, immediate ER care is essential.

Why Acting Quickly Matters

According to the CDC, approximately 2.9 million adults in the United States live with epilepsy.

About one in ten people will experience a seizure during their lifetime.

While not every seizure is life threatening, delays in emergency care during prolonged or repeated seizures can lead to serious complications.

Source:
https://www.cdc.gov/epilepsy/data-research/facts-stats/index.html

Bottom Line

Seizures can look very different from person to person. Some stop on their own. Others require immediate medical attention.

Call 911 if:

• A seizure lasts longer than five minutes
• It is the first seizure
• Breathing is affected
• Recovery does not occur
• You are unsure what to do

When it comes to seizures, it is always safer to seek help than to wait.

Need Care Today? Visit

Frisco | Fort Worth | Forney
Urgent Care 7am to 8pm daily
Emergency Room Open 24 hours

Walk ins welcome or book online at
https://www.icare-er.com