A seizure doesn’t wait for the perfect moment. It could start in a classroom, on a bus, or during lunch in the office. One minute someone is speaking normally; the next, they’re unconscious or convulsing on the floor. And in those tense seconds, what happens next depends entirely on the people nearby.
In Nigeria, where epilepsy is still widely misunderstood and stigmatized, basic seizure first aid is often lacking. According to the World Health Organization, nearly 80% of people with epilepsy live in low and middle-income countries, and up to 75% of them do not receive the treatment they need.
The risks go beyond access to medication. In emergencies, it’s not just the seizure itself that causes harm, it’s often the panic, delay, or harmful myths, like trying to restrain someone or forcing objects into their mouth.
At Emergency Response Africa (ERA), we believe every Nigerian should know how to respond safely and confidently when a seizure strikes. This article will guide you through the facts, the first aid steps, and what you must absolutely avoid.
What a Seizure Looks Like: Clear Signs to Watch For
Seizures can vary widely in appearance, but recognizing the common signs means you can respond effectively.
1. Tonic–Clonic Seizures
These are the most dramatic and often what people picture when they think of a seizure:
- Loss of consciousness followed by stiffening of the body (tonic phase), then rhythmic jerking of the arms and legs (clonic phase)
- Foaming at the mouth or drooling, and possible loss of bladder or bowel control
- Tiredness or confusion during recovery (postictal phase), which can last 10–30 minutes
2. Focal (Partial) Seizures
These start in one area of the brain and may not cause full-body convulsions:
- Unusual sensations, like odd smells, tastes, or visual distortions
- Twitching or jerking in just an arm or leg
- Repetitive behaviors, such as lip-smacking, chewing, or fumbling
3. Absence Seizures
Often seen in children, these involve brief lapses in awareness:
- Staring blankly, stopping activity for a few seconds
- Does not fall or convulse, quickly resumes what they were doing
- It can occur repeatedly throughout the day
First Aid Steps During a Seizure
When someone is having a seizure, your job is not to stop it but to protect them until it passes. Staying calm and taking the right steps can prevent further harm.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Ensure Safety
Lower the person gently to the floor if they’re standing or in danger of falling. Clear the area of sharp objects, furniture, or anything that could cause injury. Loosen ties, buttons, or anything around their neck.
Step 2: Turn Them to the Side
If possible, gently roll the person onto their side to keep the airway clear and help prevent choking, especially if they begin to vomit or drool.
Step 3: Support the Head
Place something soft (like a folded cloth or jacket) under their head to prevent injury from repeated movements against the floor.
Step 4: Loosen Tight Clothing
Unbutton collars or ties, loosen belts, and remove glasses if present. These small actions help ease breathing and reduce restriction.
Step 5: Time the Seizure
Use your phone or a watch to track the duration of the seizure. If it goes beyond 5 minutes, call emergency services immediately; it’s a medical emergency.
What Not to Do During a Seizure
- Do NOT restrain them. Let the seizure run its course. Holding them down can cause injury.
- Do NOT put anything in their mouth. They cannot swallow their tongue, and inserting objects can cause choking or damage.
- Do NOT splash water on them or try to force them awake
What to Do After the Seizure Ends
Once the seizure has stopped, the person may feel confused, drowsy, or embarrassed. Here’s how to support them:
- Stay calm and speak gently. Reassure them and explain what happened. They may be disoriented or scared.
- Check for injuries. Look for bruises, cuts, or signs of head injury from the fall. If they are injured or hit their head, seek medical help.
- Let them rest. Many people feel extremely tired after a seizure and may want to sleep.
- Do not offer food or drink right away. Wait until they are fully alert, as they may still have difficulty swallowing.
- Stay with them. Don’t leave them alone until they have fully recovered.
- Record the details. If you know the person, note what happened, how long the seizure lasted, and any unusual behavior before or after. Share this with their doctor if needed.
When to Call an Ambulance During a Seizure
Not every seizure requires emergency transport, but in certain situations, calling an ambulance is critical. You should call for help immediately if:
- It’s their first seizure: If the person has never had a seizure before, seek medical help right away to rule out underlying conditions.
- The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes: A seizure that goes beyond 5 minutes is a medical emergency called status epilepticus and needs urgent intervention.
- They have multiple seizures without regaining consciousness: This could indicate a life-threatening condition and requires immediate emergency care.
- The person has trouble breathing or remains unconscious: If they do not wake up after the seizure or are having trouble breathing, call for an ambulance.
- The seizure happens in water or results in injury: Accidents like falls, burns, or seizures in a swimming pool increase the risk of complications and should be evaluated by medical professionals.
- The person is pregnant, diabetic, or has a known heart condition: These situations increase the risk of severe complications and need close monitoring by medical personnel.
If you’re unsure whether to call, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. Emergency Response Africa (ERA) offers 24/7 access to trained responders and can dispatch help when minutes matter most.
Break the Stigma: Epilepsy Is Not a Curse
In many communities across Nigeria, epilepsy is still misunderstood and surrounded by harmful myths. Some believe it’s contagious, others think it’s caused by spiritual forces or curses. These misconceptions often lead to fear, shame, and discrimination, causing people with epilepsy to hide their condition or avoid seeking help.
But the truth is simple: epilepsy is a medical condition that can affect anyone, regardless of background or belief. A seizure is not a sign of weakness or possession; it’s the result of abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
When we respond with panic or judgment, we increase the risk of harm. But when we respond with knowledge and care, we save lives and protect dignity.
Every act of first aid is an act of compassion and a step toward ending stigma. By learning what to do and sharing that knowledge with others, you become part of the solution.
Final Words
A seizure can feel frightening to witness, but with the right knowledge, it doesn’t have to end in panic or harm. Knowing how to respond calmly and correctly can protect the person having a seizure and potentially save their life.
At Emergency Response Africa (ERA), we’re building a system where everyone, from teachers to parents to security staff, can respond to medical emergencies with confidence. Our First Aid and CPR training equips individuals, businesses, and communities with lifesaving skills tailored for Nigeria’s realities.
If someone near you is having a medical emergency, don’t hesitate. Call our toll-free line: 08000-2255-372 for fast, professional support. Want to bring First Aid training to your workplace or school? Email contact@emergencyresponseafrica.com.
You don’t need to be a health professional to make a difference. You just need to know what to do and be willing to act.
Frequently Asked Questions About Seizures
What should I do if the person bites their tongue during a seizure?
If someone bites their tongue during a seizure, do not try to open their mouth or remove the tongue. This can cause further injury. Let the seizure run its course. After the episode, check for bleeding and encourage the person to rinse with water or use a clean cloth for pressure if bleeding persists. If the injury is severe, seek medical attention.
Is it safe to move someone during a seizure?
Only move someone if they are in immediate danger, such as near fire, traffic, water, or sharp objects. Otherwise, gently guide them to the ground and clear the area around them. Moving them unnecessarily can cause injury. Let the seizure pass while you keep them safe and supported.
Is it safe to touch someone who is having a seizure?
Yes, it is completely safe to touch them. Seizures are not contagious. Use your hands to gently protect their head, loosen tight clothing, and roll them on their side, but never restrain them.
How long does a seizure last?
Most seizures last between 1 to 3 minutes and stop on their own. If a seizure continues for more than 5 minutes or if multiple seizures happen without the person regaining consciousness, it becomes a medical emergency known as status epilepticus. Call ERA on 08000-2255-372 immediately in such cases.
Can stress or lack of sleep trigger seizures?
Yes. Stress, fatigue, sleep deprivation, and missed medications are common seizure triggers, especially in people with epilepsy. Maintaining a regular routine and managing stress levels are important for reducing the risk of seizures.
