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First Fit or Seizure

You have attended the Emergency Department today following a suspected seizure. You have been assessed and the team are happy that you can be discharged into the care of your family, friends or a carer.

What is a seizure?

A seizure (also called a ‘fit’, ‘convulsion’ or a ‘turn’) is a short episode of symptoms caused by a burst of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Typically, a seizure lasts from a few seconds to a few minutes. Different parts of the brain control different parts and functions of the body. Therefore, the symptoms that occur during a seizure depend on where the burst of electrical activity occurs in the brain.

If you have a single seizure, it does not necessarily mean that you have epilepsy. About 1 in 20 people would have a seizure at some point in their life, which may be the only one that occurs.

What happens next?

A discharge summary will be sent to your GP informing them of your attendance at the Emergency Department. We will arrange an appointment for you to be seen by a neurologist (a medical
specialist in disorders of the nervous system) at the First Fit Clinic where they will provide you with further information and answer any questions you may have.

Until you are seen by a specialist, for your safety:

  • You must tell DVLA that you’ve had a seizure. You must not drive or operate dangerous machinery until you have seen the neurologist.
  • You should avoid any dangerous work or leisure activities until you have seen the neurologist. This includes activities such as swimming, cycling on busy roads or using ladders.
  • Consider precautions; where having a seizure which could have serious consequences such as standing close to train platforms or roads.
  • It is a good idea to have someone else in the house while taking a bath/shower and to leave the bathroom door unlocked. It may be safer to take a shower.
  • Avoid the use of alcohol.
  • You should inform your employer that you have had a seizure.
  • If you have another seizure you need to come back to the Emergency Department.
  • Inform your family / friends that you have had a seizure and make sure they know what to do in case you have another seizure.
  • Keep your baby/young child safe during and after your seizure: https://www.epilepsy.org.uk/info/caring-children

First Aid during a Seizure

A seizure will usually stop on its own after a few minutes.

Do:

  • Watch the seizure carefully and if possible let it run its natural course. Observe what happens so you can give a good account of the fit. A witness can provide useful information for the doctor.
  • Keep calm and note the time the seizure starts and how long it lasts.
  • Clear a space around the person, removing any sharp, hot or hard objects. Remove glasses if worn.
  • Cushion the person’s head with whatever is available.
  • Loosen any tight clothing around the neck.
  • Turn the person onto their side into the recovery position when the convulsions stop.
  • Stay with the person, if possible, until any confusion passes.

Do not:

  • Do not move the person while they are having the seizure, unless there is an immediate health risk (like in a busy road, at the top of stairs, in water, near a fire or hot radiator). Do not attempt to lift the person up.
  • Do not try to restrain the person.
  • Do not put anything between the teeth or into the mouth to support the tongue or for any other reason.
  • Do not give any medication while they are still in seizure.
  • Do not leave the person until they have recovered.

You should dial 999 if:

  • One seizure follows another without any recovery in between (remains unconscious between two seizures).
  • The seizure lasts longer than five minutes or there are 3 convulsive seizures in 1 hour, or the person remains unconscious for a longer time than is usual.
  • The seizure is a different type or pattern of seizure to those that the person normally has.
  • The person has been badly injured.
  • The person has difficulty breathing.
  • You do not know the person’s history or you are at all unsure.

Further information is available at: www.patient.co.uk/health/dealing-with-seizures-in-adults

What can you do if you become worried about your condition? If at any point you are concerned, please contact your GP or NHS 111.

 

Contact us

If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Emergency department (ED) service.

About this information

Service:
Emergency department (ED)

Reference:
A/020

Approval date:
1 November 2024

Review date:
1 November 2027

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Important note 

This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.