seizure self care basics

Overview

A seizure is a sudden burst of unusual electrical activity in the brain. It can cause changes in movement, behavior, feelings, or awareness. Self-care for seizures means learning to manage your health day to day, stay safe during a seizure, and know when to get medical help.

Seizures are fairly common. Around 1 in 100 people in the UK has epilepsy, a condition that can cause repeated seizures. But not everyone who has a seizure has epilepsy.

Seizures can happen to anyone at any age. They are more common in young children and older adults, but they can begin at any time in life.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Temporary confusion or trouble speaking
• Staring spells or blank eyes
• Uncontrolled jerking or twitching of the arms and legs
• Loss of awareness or consciousness
• Unusual feelings like tingling, dizziness, or strange smells
• Lip smacking, fumbling movements, or repeated actions

Symptoms in children

• Brief staring spells during play
• Unusual body postures
• Jerking movements
• Loss of bladder control
• Sudden unresponsiveness

Symptoms in older adults

• Confusion or memory lapses
• Staring spells
• Wandering behavior
• Unusual sensations

Causes

Main causes

• High fever (especially in children)
• Head injury
• Infections of the brain or the tissue around it
• Stroke or brain tumour
• Low blood sugar or electrolyte imbalance
• Alcohol withdrawal or drug misuse
• Epilepsy, which often has no clear cause

Risk factors

• Being very young or very old
• Family history of epilepsy
• Previous head injuries
• History of stroke or brain infection
• Lack of sleep
• Alcohol misuse
• High stress
• Flashing lights (in some people with photosensitive epilepsy)

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have any seizure for the first time, seek urgent medical care.
• If a seizure seems different from your usual seizures.
• If you are injured during a seizure.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have had a seizure or possible seizure and have not been evaluated.
• If you are living with epilepsy and want to review your seizure plan.
• If you notice more frequent or worrying symptoms.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, review your health history, and do a physical exam. They may then refer you to a brain specialist (neurologist) for further tests.

Tests that may be done

• Neurological exam
• Blood tests
• Electroencephalogram (EEG) — a recording of the brain's electrical activity
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scan of the brain
• Sometimes heart tests or sleep studies

What to expect at your appointment

Finding the cause may take time. The specialist will work with you to understand your seizure type and decide on the next steps, including whether you need treatment.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause, seizure type, and your overall health. The main goal is to reduce or stop seizures and keep you safe during any that still happen. Self-care is a key part of any plan.

Self-care at home

• Take your medication exactly as prescribed, and don't stop suddenly without medical advice.
• Keep a seizure diary to note what you ate, how you slept, how you felt, and anything that happened before a seizure.
• Get enough sleep and keep a regular sleep schedule.
• Avoid alcohol or limit it, as it can trigger seizures in some people.
• Manage stress with breathing exercises, hobbies, or talking to someone you trust.
• Make your home safer: remove sharp objects, use a shower instead of a bath, and tell people around you what to do.
• Wear a medical alert bracelet or carry a seizure alert card.
• Be careful with activities like swimming, cooking, or using dangerous machines. Follow your doctor's advice about driving.

Medical treatments

Your healthcare provider may prescribe anti-seizure medication (also called anticonvulsants) to lower the chance of further seizures. The choice is individual to you, and it may take time to find the best fit. Always take medication as directed and report any side effects.

When is surgery considered?

If seizures always begin from one area of the brain and medicines do not control them, brain surgery might be an option. A specialist team will check whether surgery could be safe and helpful for you.

Living with this condition

Living with seizures means planning ahead. Let trusted family, friends, or work colleagues know how to help if a seizure happens. Keep your emergency plan with you, and follow your treatment plan even on good days.

Lifestyle tips

• Keep a consistent sleep schedule
• Learn relaxation techniques and use them daily
• Avoid known triggers, such as flashing lights or excess stress
• Stay physically active, but check with your doctor about which activities are safest
• Keep all medical appointments and take medications as directed

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet and regular exercise are important for overall health. Try to eat at regular times and stay hydrated, because skipping meals or dehydration can trigger seizures in some people. Always talk to your doctor before making major diet changes.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Seizures can affect your mood and confidence. You may feel anxious, embarrassed, or down. These feelings are normal and worth sharing with a counsellor or your healthcare team. If you ever have thoughts of hurting yourself or ending your life, tell someone you trust or call your local crisis support service right away. You do not have to manage these feelings alone.

Prevention

Not all seizures can be prevented, but you can reduce the risk by taking medication as prescribed, avoiding triggers, getting enough sleep, and following safety advice. Many people with seizures can live well with good control.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine to prevent seizures. However, keeping your routine vaccinations up to date can help stop infections that might lead to seizures, such as meningitis.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for seizures in the general population. If you or your child has symptoms, a doctor can assess you.

Complications

If left untreated

• Falls and injuries
• Breathing difficulties during a long seizure
• Accidents such as drowning or burns
• Status epilepticus — a seizure lasting longer than 5 minutes, which is a medical emergency
• Medicine side effects if not monitored
• Social isolation or low mood

Long-term outlook

Most people with seizures can achieve good control with the right treatment and support. It may take time to find what works for you, but many people with epilepsy live full and active lives. You deserve proper care and follow-up.

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