Epilepsy (fits/seizures)

Patient information: Epilepsy (fits/seizures) advice

This is in addition to any specific advice given to you by the ambulance crew you saw today

Introduction

Epilepsy is a common condition that affects the brain and causes frequent seizures. The medical term for an epileptic fit is seizure. Seizures are bursts of electrical activity in the brain that temporarily affect how it works. They can cause a wide range of symptoms.

When to get medical help

In most cases, medical help is not needed when someone has an epileptic fit.

However you should call 999 if someone

is having a seizure for the first time
has a seizure that lasts more than 5 minutes
has lots of seizures in a row
has breathing problems or has seriously injured themselves.

If you are with someone who is having a seizure you should

keep calm and offer reassurance
ease the person to the floor
cushion their head (if they are on the floor)
move away hazards which could cause physical injury (such as furniture)
loosen tight clothing around the neck, such as a collar or tie and remove glasses if worn
let the seizure run its course
stay with them until the seizure stops
note the start and finish time
when the seizure stops turn them onto their side (recovery position).

You should not

Do not put anything in their mouth (especially fingers).
Do not try and restrain them.
Do not move them unless completely necessary. Only if close to a hazard which can’t be moved (such as a hot cooker)

Keeping a seizure diary

If you have epilepsy, you should also record the details of your seizures in your diary. Information about seizure diaries can be found at Epilepsy Action or Epilepsy Society.

If you have a seizure, please ensure that your doctor is aware, in case your condition; or medication needs to be reviewed.

Patient advice leaflet - Reviewed June 2023