How can you prevent a seizure before it starts?
While you can't always stop a seizure once it begins, you can take steps to reduce your risk of having one in the first place:
Take medication consistently: Always take your anti-seizure medication exactly as prescribed—the right dose at the right time. Use pillboxes, phone Show Full Answer
How can you prevent a seizure before it starts?
While you can't always stop a seizure once it begins, you can take steps to reduce your risk of having one in the first place:
Take medication consistently: Always take your anti-seizure medication exactly as prescribed—the right dose at the right time. Use pillboxes, phone alarms, or medication apps to help you stay on track.
Identify and avoid your triggers: Keep a seizure diary tracking when seizures happen, what you were doing beforehand, your sleep, meals, and medication timing. Common triggers to watch for include:
- Stress
- Lack of sleep
- Flashing lights (if you have photosensitive epilepsy)
- Alcohol and caffeine
- Illness or fever
- Temperature changes
- Missed medications
Maintain healthy habits:
- Get consistent, quality sleep by keeping a regular schedule
- Manage stress through relaxation techniques, exercise, or therapy
- Eat regular, balanced meals to prevent low blood sugar
- Stay hydrated and treat illness early
- Limit or avoid alcohol and recreational drugs
Have rescue medication available: For seizures that last longer than usual or happen in clusters, having a rescue medication on hand can help stop seizure activity quickly. Talk with your doctor about whether this is right for you. What should you do once a seizure has started?
Once a seizure begins, you typically cannot stop it yourself. The focus shifts to safety and knowing when to use rescue medication or seek emergency help.
If you're with someone having a seizure:
- Stay with them and stay calm
- Turn them on their side to prevent choking if they vomit
- Put something soft under their head
- Move sharp or hard objects away
- Time the seizure
- Never restrain them or put anything in their mouth
- Call 911 if the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes
Rescue medications: These are specifically designed to stop prolonged seizures or seizure clusters. They come as nasal sprays, rectal gels, or dissolving tablets and work quickly to calm brain activity. A MyEpilepsyTeam member shared: "I use a nasal rescue medication. It works fabulously and stops the seizure in its tracks!"
Talk with your doctor about creating a seizure action plan that includes when and how to use rescue medication.
December 29, 2025
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