Complex Partial Seizures (Temporal or Psychomotor)
During the seizure: The person may stare blankly, fail to respond or give inappropriate answers if spoken to, sit down, stand up, or wander aimlessly. They may smack their lips or make chewing or swallowing movements.
They may appear intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.
- Do not attempt to stop or restrain the person
- Move them away from dangerous objects or situations, or prevent them from approaching hazards
- Do not shake them
- If you are alone and the person appears very agitated or aggressive, do not approach them.
After the seizure: Once the person regains consciousness, they may be confused or disoriented. Do not leave them alone until they have fully recovered.
Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizures (Grand Mal)
During the seizure: The person may fall to the ground, stiffen, and make sudden jerking movements. Due to breathing difficulties, they may have a bluish or pale complexion.
- Help the person lie flat on their back, and place something soft under their head
- Remove any hard or sharp objects nearby
- Loosen any tight clothing
- Do not put anything between their teeth
- Do not try to restrain their limbs—you cannot stop an ongoing seizure.
After the seizure: The person may be confused and disoriented.
- Turn them onto their side to allow saliva to drain from their mouth
- Do not give them anything to drink or eat until they have fully recovered
- Stay with them until they regain full consciousness. Call an ambulance if:
- the person does not resume breathing when the seizure ends (begin mouth-to-mouth resuscitation)
- the person has multiple seizures, one after another
- the person is injured or explicitly requests an ambulance.