Epilepsy — What You Need Right Now

One seizure can be terrifying. Knowing simple facts and steps makes a big difference. This page gives clear, practical advice on spotting seizures, basic first aid, common medicines, and everyday habits that help reduce risk.

Recognize a seizure fast

Seizures can look different. Some cause convulsions and loss of consciousness. Others are brief staring spells, twitching, or odd sensations. Time the event. If it lasts more than five minutes or the person has trouble breathing, call emergency services right away.

Quick checklist while watching someone have a convulsive seizure:

• Keep calm and stay with them.
• Protect the head with something soft.
• Clear sharp or hard objects away.
• Do not put anything in their mouth.
• After shaking stops, roll them onto their side to keep the airway clear.
• Note the seizure length and any triggers you saw.

Common treatments and what to expect

Anti-seizure drugs work for most people but finding the right one can take time. Common medications include levetiracetam (Keppra), lamotrigine, carbamazepine, valproate, and phenytoin. Each has different side effects and monitoring needs — for example, valproate can affect pregnancy and lamotrigine needs slow dose increases to avoid rash.

Things to keep in mind about meds:

• Take doses exactly as prescribed. Missing doses raises seizure risk.
• Many drugs interact with hormonal birth control or alcohol — ask your clinician.
• Regular blood tests or check-ups may be required for some medicines.

Diagnosis often uses an EEG (brain waves) and MRI. Doctors also review medical history and may order blood tests. A clear diagnosis helps pick the best medication or other treatments, like epilepsy surgery or devices, if needed.

Small changes in daily life matter. Track sleep, stress, alcohol, and medication times in a seizure diary. Avoid sleep deprivation and heavy alcohol use. Wear medical ID if you have frequent seizures, and tell friends or coworkers what to do in an emergency.

Special situations: pregnant people need early planning with their neurologist because some drugs carry risks to the fetus. Children and teens may outgrow certain seizure types, but never stop medication without a doctor.

If you want more detailed articles, browse our epilepsy-tagged posts for medication guides, safety tips, and first-hand stories. And if you or someone close has a new or changing seizure pattern, contact a healthcare provider now — timely care matters.