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Warning-sign checks

Epilepsy and seizures: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services if:

    • A seizure lasts five minutes or longer
    • Another seizure begins before the person recovers
    • The person has trouble breathing or does not regain awareness
    • A serious injury occurred
    • The seizure happened in water
    • It is the person’s first known seizure
    • The person is pregnant or has diabetes and does not recover normally

    Follow the emergency call handler’s instructions.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek prompt medical advice if seizures become more frequent, change pattern, return after a long seizure-free period, or cause new injuries.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a review for troublesome side effects, worsening mood, pregnancy planning, or difficulty taking treatment consistently.

    Routine follow-up reviews seizure control, treatment effects, safety, driving, contraception, pregnancy plans, and the need for further testing.

The article also says

Begin CPR after the seizure if the person is not breathing normally and you know how.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Epilepsy and seizures. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.