About 1 in 26 people will have a seizure during their life. That sounds scary, but knowing the basics lowers panic and helps you act fast. A seizure is a sudden surge of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. It can look like shaking, staring blankly, sudden confusion, or brief loss of awareness.
Seizures don’t all look the same. You might see full-body convulsions, stiffening, rhythmic jerking, or a person just zoning out for a few seconds. Other clues: loss of bladder control, drooling, or sudden odd behaviors that stop when the episode ends.
Triggers matter. Missing anti-seizure meds or sleep deprivation are top causes. Alcohol intoxication or withdrawal can provoke seizures. Fever or infections, low blood sugar, and certain medications can also lower the seizure threshold. For example, some antidepressants (bupropion/Wellbutrin) and pain meds like tramadol are known to increase seizure risk in some people. If you take medicines and notice new seizures, tell your doctor—drug interactions and dose changes can be the culprit.
Stay calm and start timing the seizure. If it’s under two minutes, most people recover without lasting harm. Protect the head with a soft object, move nearby dangerous items away, and gently roll the person onto their side so saliva can drain and breathing stays easier. Do not put anything in their mouth and don’t force their limbs.
Call emergency services if the seizure lasts more than five minutes, if another seizure follows right away, if the person is injured, pregnant, or has trouble breathing, or if this is their first seizure. After the episode, stay with them until they’re fully alert. They may be confused or sleepy—offer reassurance and simple help like water and a quiet place to rest.
Long-term: a single seizure doesn’t always mean epilepsy, but recurrent unprovoked seizures do. Neurologists use EEGs and imaging to decide next steps. Anti-seizure medicines like levetiracetam, lamotrigine, and valproate help many people. Medication choice depends on seizure type, age, other health issues, and side effects.
Preventive steps are practical: take meds on time, get regular sleep, avoid heavy alcohol, treat fevers and infections, and review any new prescriptions with your prescriber. If you have seizures, discuss driving, bathing, and workplace safety with your doctor so you can stay safe without losing independence.
If you’re worried about a recent episode or a medication that might raise seizure risk, talk to a healthcare professional. Quick action and clear info make a big difference.
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