Seizure (Fit)

Overview

A seizure (the medical term for a fit or convulsion) occurs when there is a sudden burst of electrical activity in the brain temporarily interfering with the normal messaging processes.

In adults, the most common cause of a seizure, also known as a convulsion or fit, is epilepsy. Epilepsy is a condition that affects the brain and can cause repeated seizures, which often occur suddenly and without warning.

However, seizures can be caused by other things, including a head injury, alcohol poisoning, lack of oxygen, after taking certain drugs, extreme temperatures, or if someone with diabetes has a 'hypo' where their blood glucose is too low.

Signs and Symptoms

Signs of a seizure:

• a sudden collapse or loss of responsiveness
• start of jerky uncontrolled movements or twitching
• a rigid body with an arching back
• noisy, difficult breathing
• grey-blue tinge on the lips
• saliva at the mouth, possibly blood stained if they have accidentally bitten their tongue or lip
• loss of bladder or bowel control

Immediate First Aid Steps

If you see someone having a seizure or fit, there are some simple things you can do to help.

It might be scary to witness, but do not panic.

If you're with someone having a seizure:

• only move them if they're in danger, such as near a busy road or hot cooker
• cushion their head if they're on the ground
• loosen any tight clothing around their neck, such as a collar or tie, to aid breathing
• turn them on to their side after their convulsions stop – read more about the recovery position
• stay with them and talk to them calmly until they recover
• note the time the seizure starts and finishes
• monitor their level of response and if they become unresponsive at any time, prepare to call an ambulance for emergency help. Refer to the page for  cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

If the person is in a wheelchair, put the brakes on and leave any seatbelt or harness on. Support them gently and cushion their head, but do not try to move them.

Do not put anything in their mouth, including your fingers. They should not have any food or drink until they have fully recovered.

When To Seek Medical Help

Call an ambulance or seek immediate medical help (e.g. Emergency Department) if:

• it's the first time someone has had a seizure
• the seizure lasts longer than is usual for them
• the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, if you do not know how long their seizures usually last
• the person does not regain full consciousness, or has several seizures without regaining consciousness
• the person is seriously injured during the seizure
• the person has difficulty breathing after the seizure

People with epilepsy do not always need an ambulance or to go to hospital every time they have a seizure.

They usually have a care plan agreed with doctors and their family or carers that says what to do when they have a seizure, such as giving emergency medicine. If you know what to do and have been trained then you can follow their care plan.

Some people with epilepsy wear a special bracelet or carry a card to let medical professionals and anyone witnessing a seizure know they have epilepsy.