Important: Most partial seizures end within a minute.
Call 911 if seizure lasts over 5 minutes.
Myth Buster: Never put anything in a person's mouth during a seizure. This can cause choking.
Post-Seizure Care
Keep the person lying down until fully alert
Offer reassurance and explain what happened
Check breathing and pulse
Stay with them for at least 30 minutes
Document seizure details for medical professionals
Postictal Phase: Person may be confused, sleepy, or have a headache. Remain calm and supportive.
Quick Reference Checklist
Stay with person
Clear area
Time seizure
Call 911 if needed
Don't restrain
Don't put anything in mouth
Don't leave alone
Don't give meds
Imagine a loved one suddenly pauses, looks dazed, or starts making odd movements. It could be a partial onset seizure, a type of seizure that begins in a small area of the brain. Knowing exactly what to do in those first minutes can keep the person safe and calm the situation.
Quick Takeaways
Keep the person safe: move objects, cushion the head, and stay calm.
Don’t restrain them or put anything in their mouth.
Time the episode; call emergency services if it lasts over 5 minutes or if it’s the first seizure.
Provide post‑seizure care: comfort, monitor breathing, and note what happened.
Partial onset seizure is a type of seizure that starts in a localized region of the brain and may or may not affect consciousness. While many people think all seizures look the same, partial onset seizures can be subtle-an odd smell, a brief hand twitch, or a sudden lapse in awareness. Understanding those signs is the first step in effective first aid.
Recognizing a Partial Onset Seizure
Not every strange behavior means a seizure, but certain clues point strongly toward a partial onset event. Look for:
A sudden, repetitive movement of one arm, hand, or facial muscle.
Unexplained sensory changes-like a strange odor, taste, or visual flash-known as an Auraa warning sign that a seizure is about to start.
Brief loss of awareness or a “spacing out” episode that lasts seconds.
Automatic behaviors such as lip‑smacking, chewing, or repetitive picking.
Because these episodes can be short, they’re often missed. If you suspect a seizure, treat the situation as if it were a full seizure until you’re sure.
Immediate Safety Steps
When you see a possible partial onset seizure, act quickly but gently:
Stay with the person. Your presence can prevent injury and reduces panic.
Clear the area. Move chairs, books, or sharp objects out of the way.
Guide the person to a safe surface, like the floor, and place a folded jacket or pillow under their head.
Do not try to hold them down or restrain the movements.
Do not put anything in their mouth-this is a common myth and can cause choking.
These steps are part of First aidimmediate assistance given before professional care arrives aimed at preventing injury during a seizure.
When to Call Emergency Medical Services
Most partial onset seizures end on their own within a minute, but there are red flags:
The episode lasts longer than 5 minutes.
The person does not regain full awareness after the event.
It’s their first seizure ever.
You notice a new injury, difficulty breathing, or the seizure spreads to involve the whole body (possible progression to a Status epilepticusa medical emergency where seizures continue without full recovery).
Dial 911 (or your local emergency number) and tell the dispatcher you’re dealing with a seizure, how long it’s lasted, and any known medical conditions.
Post‑Seizure Care (The Postictal Phase)
After the movements stop, the person enters the post‑ictal phase. They may be confused, sleepy, or have a headache. Here’s what to do:
Keep them lying down for a few minutes until they’re fully alert.
Offer reassurance; speak calmly and explain what happened.
Check breathing and pulse; if abnormal, be ready to give rescue breathing or CPR.
Stay with them for at least 30 minutes, especially if they’re not returning to their baseline.
Document the seizure: time, duration, observed symptoms, and any triggers.
This information is valuable for the person’s neurologist or primary care doctor, especially if the seizure was unexpected.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even well‑meaning helpers can unintentionally make things worse. Avoid these pitfalls:
Holding the person’s tongue or forcing the mouth open.
Giving medication without a prescription.
Leaving the person alone immediately after the seizure.
Assuming a seizure is “all in their head” and not seeking medical advice.
Remember, the goal of partial onset seizure first aid is safety, calm, and clear information for professionals.
Quick Checklist for Caregivers
Do and Don’t During a Partial Onset Seizure
Do
Don’t
Stay with the person and speak softly.
Leave the scene unless you’re in danger.
Clear the area of sharp objects.
Try to physically restrain the movements.
Time the seizure.
Put anything in the mouth.
Call EMS if it lasts >5min or spreads.
Give over‑the‑counter meds without guidance.
Document details after the event.
Assume it’s harmless without a medical check.
Having this list on hand-printed or saved on your phone-makes it easier to act fast.
Understanding the Bigger Picture
Partial onset seizures are a symptom of Epilepsya chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. While many people manage them with medication, lifestyle changes, and regular doctor visits, emergencies still happen. Educating family, friends, and coworkers creates a supportive network that reduces anxiety and improves outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if someone is having a partial onset seizure?
Look for brief, repetitive movements, sensory changes (like a strange smell or visual flash), or a momentary loss of awareness. These signs may last only a few seconds, so observe quietly and note any patterns.
What should I never do during a seizure?
Never restrain the person, never put anything in their mouth, and never leave them unattended until they’re fully recovered.
When should I call 911?
Call emergency services if the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, if it’s the first seizure, if the person doesn’t regain awareness, or if you notice breathing difficulties or injury.
How long can a partial onset seizure last?
Most partial seizures end within a minute, often under 30 seconds. If it goes beyond 5 minutes, treat it as a medical emergency.
Can a partial seizure turn into a generalized seizure?
Yes. In some cases, a partial seizure spreads to involve both brain hemispheres, leading to a tonic‑clonic (generalized) seizure. Monitoring duration and symptoms helps decide when to intervene.
What steps should I take after the seizure ends?
Keep the person safe, check breathing, offer reassurance, note details (time, duration, behavior), and stay with them until they’re fully alert. If any concerns remain, seek medical advice.
Great overview! The checklist you’ve put together covers the essentials, especially clearing the area and timing the episode-those details can make a huge difference in a chaotic moment.
Comments (1)
Suzette Muller
3 Oct 2025
Great overview! The checklist you’ve put together covers the essentials, especially clearing the area and timing the episode-those details can make a huge difference in a chaotic moment.