Seizures: Types, Symptoms & First Aid Awareness

A seizure is a temporary change in the brain’s electrical activity. Some seizures involve noticeable movements or loss of control, while others may be subtle or go unnoticed. Seizures can be linked to injuries, illness, or neurological conditions, and may require medical assessment—especially when they are new, recurrent, or unexplained.

Seizure awareness matters at home, in schools, recreation settings, and workplaces, particularly where falls or secondary injuries could occur.

Scenario

During a lunchtime break at college, a student pauses mid-sentence, stares blankly for several seconds, then resumes eating. Friends check in to make sure they are okay. Later, the student explains they sometimes have brief absence seizures and follows a care plan with their healthcare team.

Types of Seizures

Seizures may be grouped into two broad categories:

Focal (Partial) Seizures

Originate in one area of the brain
May involve altered sensations, brief confusion, or small movements

Generalized Seizures

Involve both sides of the brain
May include tonic-clonic seizures (formerly “grand mal”) with full-body stiffening and rhythmic movement

Seizures may also follow illnesses, head injuries, electrolyte disturbances, or other temporary medical conditions.

Warning Signs (Aura-Like Symptoms)

Some individuals notice sensations before a seizure, such as:

Dizziness
Sudden fear or anxiety
Nausea or stomach discomfort
Changes in taste, smell, or vision

Not everyone experiences warnings.

Common Symptoms During a Seizure

Symptoms vary widely and may include:

Brief staring or unresponsiveness
Uncontrolled muscle movements
Drooling or altered mouth movements
Sudden collapse or fall
Rigid body or rhythmic shaking
Rapid eye movements
Temporary changes in awareness or mood
Loss of bladder or bowel control (some cases)
Confusion or tiredness afterward

Episodes typically last a few seconds to a few minutes.

Possible Causes

Seizures may occur due to:

Fever (in children)
Illness or infection
Head injury
Low blood sugar
Electrolyte imbalance
Alcohol or drug withdrawal
Stroke
Epilepsy
Brain disorders present at birth
Lack of oxygen
Kidney or liver conditions

Identifying the cause can guide long-term management.

First Aid Awareness

If a person is having a seizure:

Do:

Stay calm and stay with them
Gently guide away objects to prevent injury
Cushion the head if possible
Roll onto their side when safe to support breathing
Observe the duration and symptoms

Do Not:

Do not restrain movements
Do not place anything in the mouth
Do not give food, drink, or medications during the episode

When to Seek Emergency Assistance

Call emergency services if:

The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes
A second seizure occurs without recovery
Breathing remains difficult afterward
The person is injured during the seizure
It is their first known seizure
The person does not regain awareness in a reasonable time

Prevention & Management

Prevention depends on cause. Individuals with epilepsy may benefit from routine medical follow-up, medication management, or lifestyle adjustments under healthcare supervision. Some seizures related to injury or illness may not recur once the underlying condition is treated.

FAQ (Educational, Non-Diagnostic)

Can someone be awake during a seizure?
Yes. Many focal or absence seizures occur without loss of consciousness.

Are seizures always linked to epilepsy?
No. Seizures can occur due to illness, metabolic changes, injury, or withdrawal.

Is it dangerous to place something in the mouth during a seizure?
No objects should be placed in the mouth; it can cause choking or dental injury.

Do seizures always require emergency care?
Not always. However, prolonged seizures, first-time events, or injury-associated events warrant immediate medical attention.

Educational Note

This article provides public first aid and safety education. Assessment, diagnosis, and medical planning are completed by qualified healthcare professionals.