What should you know about a fit or seizure?

A person may stiffen, jerk, stare, lose awareness, fall, or become briefly confused afterwards. Causes include epilepsy, low blood sugar, alcohol withdrawal, infection, head injury, or other medical problems. One seizure does not by itself establish epilepsy, so a clinical assessment is needed.

Move nearby hard or sharp objects away, cushion the head, loosen tight clothing around the neck, and turn the person onto their side when possible. Do not restrain them, put anything in their mouth, or give food, drink, or medicine until they are fully alert. Stay with them and record how long the episode lasts. Relevant causes can include [Hypoglycaemia](/conditions/hypoglycaemia/) or [Alcohol Use Disorder](/conditions/alcohol-use-disorder/).

Call emergency services if the seizure lasts longer than expected, repeats without recovery, is a first known seizure, causes a serious injury, happens in water, or affects breathing. Get urgent help for pregnancy, diabetes, or persistent confusion. Fever with severe headache, stiff neck, rash, or unusual drowsiness needs urgent assessment because [Meningitis](/conditions/meningitis/) is one possible cause.

Ask what may have triggered the event, whether tests or specialist review are needed, how to reduce immediate risks, and when it is safe to drive, work at heights, swim, or bathe alone.