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This information sheet has been given to you by Paramedics because you have experienced a seizure. It contains important information on how to look after yourself and what to do if your condition changes.

Key messages

• Most epileptic seizures are short and stop without anti-seizure medication.
• The person may be tired and sleep a lot after having a seizure. This is normal.
• Call the ambulance again (dial 000) if the person has another seizure.

What is a seizure?

A seizure (also called a fit or convulsion) occurs when there is a disruption or a brief break in the electrical activity between the brain cells.

There are many different types of seizures, varying from absence seizures that look as if a person is staring into space, to more obvious seizures that involve the entire body. Most seizures last for less than five minutes.

Epilepsy is a medical condition that causes seizures. You have been given this information sheet because your seizure is due to epilepsy and it is not unusual for you to have seizures.

Seizures are often very frightening for the observer, especially if they have never seen one before.

Brain damage resulting from a seizure is very rare.

What to expect

This sheet has been provided because the seizure has stopped by itself and has not required treatment with anti-seizure medications.

It is usual for a person to be confused, sore, tired or groggy for some time after a seizure has stopped. They may sleep for several hours after the seizure.

The person may not remember what happened or that they have had a seizure.

If the person has another seizure today or has a seizure that does not follow their usual pattern (e.g. type of seizure, how long it normally lasts), it is important to have it investigated at hospital.

Ensure that the person continues taking any medications that they have been prescribed and make sure to avoid doing anything which they know can cause seizures for them.

Follow up

You should follow up with your local doctor or specialist. Do not drive a vehicle until you have been assessed as fit to drive by your local doctor or specialist.

How to help someone having a seizure.

There are some things you can do to help a person who is having a seizure:

• Remember to stay calm.
• Do not put anything in the person’s mouth (including your fingers) or give them anything to drink or eat (including any medication) until they have regained consciousness and are fully awake and alert (not sleepy or confused).
• Ensure the person cannot injure themselves – remove sharp or hard objects (if possible) from around the person and place something soft under their head. Do not try to restrain the person. Make sure you do not get injured if they are thrashing around.
• Take note of what time the seizure began and time how long it goes for. If you are worried and need help call an ambulance (dial 000).
• Place the person on their side once the seizure has subsided and their body has relaxed (it is stiff and rigid during a seizure). This helps the person breathe easier and allows the saliva to drain from their mouth.

Seeking help

Call the ambulance on 000 if the patient has another seizure

In a medical emergency go to the nearest hospital emergency department or call an ambulance (dial 000). Do this if:

• you know or think it may be the person’s first seizure
• you know or think the person is diabetic
• the person is pregnant
• the person had a fall and/or hit their head before the seizure began
• in a person with known epilepsy, the seizure has not stopped after five minutes or you are worried and need help
• the seizure happened in water
• the person has not regained consciousness or woken up after the seizure has stopped
• the person has a seizure immediately after or shortly after the last one stopped

Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED) is available to treat non-life-threatening emergencies. You will be connected to emergency doctors and nurses who will provide medical advice. Please note you will need a device (mobile phone, tablet, computer) with a camera to use this service.

Contact VVED through the website vved.org.au. If you experience issues, please call 9485 9070

For other medical problems see your local doctor or health care professional.

Want to know more?

• Ask your local doctor or health care professional.
• Visit the Better Health Channel www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au (search under seizures or epilepsy).

Ambulance Victoria is a critical link in Victoria's healthcare system. We welcome your comments as they assist us to improve our services. If you wish to provide feedback, please contact Patient Experience and Consumer Participation Department either via patientexperience@ambulance.vic.gov.au or telephone 1800 875 137.