Is it normal to have seizures

First seizure adult. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; Seizure first aid. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Haider HA, et al. Neuroimaging in the evaluation of seizures and epilepsy. Neurological diagnostic tests and procedures fact sheet. Schachter SC. Overview of the management of epilepsy in adults. Crepeau AZ, et al. Management of adult onset seizures. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. Harden CL, et al. Practice parameter update: Management issues for women with epilepsy — Focus on pregnancy an evidence-based review : Teratogenesis and perinatal outcomes. Diagnosis Riggin EA. Allscripts EPSi.

Mayo Clinic. July 31, Crepeau AZ expert opinion. Van Gompel JJ expert opinion. May 30, This is because some of the visible symptoms may be aftereffects of a seizure or not related to seizure activity at all.

As the seizure ends, the postictal phase occurs - this is the recovery period after the seizure. Some people recover immediately while others may take minutes to hours to feel like their usual self.

The type of seizure, as well as what part of the brain the seizure impacts, affects the recovery period — how long it may last and what may occur during it. If you or someone you know has seizures and any of the symptoms listed about, know that you are not alone.

Contact Our Helpline. The mission of the Epilepsy Foundation is to lead the fight to overcome the challenges of living with epilepsy and to accelerate therapies to stop seizures, find cures, and save lives. Skip to main content. What Happens During a Seizure?

Donate to Support Our Mission Beginning: Some people are aware of the beginning of a seizure, possibly as much as hours or days before it happens. Lay the person on the ground in a safe area. Clear the area of furniture or other sharp objects. Cushion the person's head. Loosen tight clothing, especially around the neck.

Turn the person on their side. If vomiting occurs, this helps make sure that the vomit is not inhaled into the lungs.

Look for a medical ID bracelet with seizure instructions. Stay with the person until they recover, or until professional medical help arrives. DO NOT place anything between the person's teeth during a seizure including your fingers. DO NOT attempt to hold the person's tongue. DO NOT move the person unless they are in danger or near something hazardous. DO NOT try to make the person stop convulsing.

They have no control over the seizure and are not aware of what is happening at the time. DO NOT give the person anything by mouth until the convulsions have stopped and the person is fully awake and alert. When to Contact a Medical Professional.

Call or the local emergency number if: This is the first time the person has had a seizure A seizure lasts more than 2 to 5 minutes The person does not awaken or have normal behavior after a seizure Another seizure starts soon after a seizure ends The person had a seizure in water The person is pregnant, injured, or has diabetes The person does not have a medical ID bracelet instructions explaining what to do There is anything different about this seizure compared to the person's usual seizures Report all seizures to the person's provider.

What to Expect at Your Office Visit. Tests that may be ordered include: Blood and urine tests CT scan of the head or MRI of the head EEG usually not in the emergency room Lumbar puncture spinal tap Further testing is needed if a person has: A new seizure without a clear cause Epilepsy to make sure the person is taking the right amount of medicine.

Your body, arms, and legs will flex contract , extend straighten out , and tremor shake. This is followed by contraction and relaxation of the muscles clonic period and the postictal period. During the postictal period, you may be sleepy. You may have problems with vision or speech, and may have a bad headache, fatigue, or body aches.

Not all of these phases occur in everyone with this type of seizure. This type of seizure causes quick movements or sudden jerking of a group of muscles. These seizures tend to occur in clusters.

This means that they may occur several times a day, or for several days in a row. Epilepsy may be caused by a combination of these. Your symptoms depend on the type of seizure. General symptoms or warning signs of a seizure can include:.

During the seizure, your lips may become tinted blue and your breathing may not be normal. After the seizure, you may be sleepy or confused. The symptoms of a seizure may be like those of other health conditions. Make sure to talk with your healthcare provider for a diagnosis. Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and your health history. Lumbar puncture spinal tap , to measure the pressure in the brain and spinal canal and test the cerebral spinal fluid for infection or other problems.

The goal of treatment is to control, stop, or reduce how often seizures occur. Treatment is most often done with medicine. There are many types of medicines used to treat epilepsy. Your healthcare provider will need to identify the type of seizure you are having. Medicines are selected based on the type of seizure, age of the person, side effects, cost, and ease of use.

Medicines used at home are usually taken by mouth as capsules, tablets, sprinkles, or syrup. Some medicines can be given into the rectum. If you are in the hospital with seizures, medicine may be given by injection or intravenously by vein IV. It is important to take your medicine on time and as prescribed by your doctor. All medicines can have side effects.

Talk with your healthcare provider about possible side effects. While you are taking medicine, you may need tests to see how well the medicine is working. You may have:. Blood tests. You may need blood tests often to check the level of medicine in your body.

Based on this level, your healthcare provider may change the dose of your medicine.