How to Get Over a Seizure

The most common type of seizure associated with epilepsy is the grand mal seizure. Another name for a grand mal seizure is tonic-clonic seizure. Individuals who have experienced two or more grand mal seizures may have epilepsy and may require medication to prevent recurrent seizures. A grand mal seizure occurs when the electrical activity in the brain is altered abnormally. Grand mal seizures are characterized by full-body muscle contractions and unconsciousnes. Sometimes a grand mal seizure can be caused by other health conditions such as hypoglycemia and failure of the kidneys.

Instructions

1. Try to remain calm and still while you regain consciousness. Generally, a person who has had a seizure may be disoriented or confused afterwards, and it may take several minutes before he or she realizes what has happened.

2. Check yourself for any injuries that may have occurred during the seizure, which may require medical attention. If injuries are present, call a family member or 9-1-1 for help.

3. Ask a bystander (if someone is with you) how long the seizure lasted. According to the Epilepsy Foundation, seizures lasting longer than 5 minutes require immediate medical attention.

4. Allow plenty of time for rest following a seizure. Seizures generally cause severe fatigue for several hours.

5. Consult your physician to see if medication needs to be started or adjusted to prevent future seizures.

References

• Mayo Clinic: Grand mal seizures
• Epilepsy Foundation