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Frequently Asked Questions

A seizure happens when your brain sends out extra signals. This can make your body do things it doesn’t usually do, like twitch or jerk. Sometimes, you might lose balance or not respond. Seizures can occur due to a fever, infection, alcohol, drugs, certain medications, or other medical conditions.

Seizures can be scary, but they usually don’t last long. If you see someone having a seizure, try to keep them safe by moving anything hard away from them.

Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes people to have repeated seizures.

  • Seizures happen when the brain’s normal electrical activity is suddenly disrupted.
  • This can cause changes in how someone feels, acts, or moves.
  • Seizures can vary from mild to severe and can affect different parts of the body.

When providing seizure first aid for generalized tonic clonic (grand mal) seizures, these are the key things to remember:

  • Keep calm and reassure other people who may be nearby.
  • Don’t hold the person down or try to stop his movements.
  • Time the seizure with your watch.
  • Clear the area around the person of anything hard or sharp.
  • Loosen ties or anything around the neck that may make breathing difficult.
  • Put something flat and soft, like a folded jacket, under the head.
  • Turn him or her gently onto one side. This will help keep the airway clear.
  • Do not try to force the mouth open with any hard implement or with fingers. A person having a seizure CANNOT swallow his tongue. Efforts to hold the tongue down can injure teeth or jaw.
  • Don’t attempt artificial respiration except in the unlikely event that a person does not start breathing again after the seizure has stopped.
  • Stay with the person until the seizure ends naturally.
  • Be friendly and reassuring as consciousness returns.
  • Offer to call a taxi, friend or relative to help the person get home if he seems confused or unable to get home by himself.
  • Call for Help – if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, call for emergency help (like 911).
    If the person is injured, call for emergency help.
    If you don’t know what to do, call for help.

An uncomplicated, generalized, tonic clonic (grand mal) seizure in someone who has epilepsy is not a medical emergency even though it may look like one. The seizure will stop naturally after a few minutes without ill effects. The average person is able to continue about his business after a rest period, and may need only limited or no assistance in getting home.

In other circumstances, an ambulance should be called. Also, when the following conditions exist, immediate medical attention is necessary: diabetes, brain infections, heat exhaustion, pregnancy, poisoning, hypoglycemia, high fever, and head injury.

No Need to Call an Ambulance if:

  • A medical I.D. jewelry or card says “epilepsy,” and
  • The seizure ends in under five minutes, and
  • Consciousness returns without further incident, and
  • There are no signs of injury, physical distress, or pregnancy.

An Ambulance Should Be Called if:

  • The seizure has happened in water.
  • There’s no medical I.D., and no way of knowing whether the seizure is caused by epilepsy.
  • The person is pregnant, injured, or diabetic.
  • The seizure continues for more than five minutes.
  • A second seizure starts shortly after the first has ended.
  • Consciousness does not start to return after the shaking has stopped.
  • The person has been injured as a result of the seizure

If the ambulance arrives after consciousness has returned, the person should be asked whether the seizure was associated with epilepsy and whether emergency room care is wanted.

Please visit www.epilepsy.com for more information.

Please visit the Epilepsy Foundation website to view driving laws by state.

North Carolina DMV Restrictions

  • The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) has specific restrictions for drivers with seizures. Here’s a general overview:
  • Seizure-Free Period: Generally, individuals must be seizure-free for 6-12 months before being considered for a driver’s license.
  • Medical Evaluation: A thorough medical evaluation by a physician is required. This evaluation assesses the individual’s seizure control, medication compliance, and overall driving safety.
  • NCDMV Review: The NCDMV’s Medical Review Unit carefully considers the physician’s evaluation and other relevant factors to determine driving eligibility.
    Case-by-Case Basis: Driving restrictions are determined on a case-by-case basis.

Important Notes:

  • These are general guidelines.
  • The NCDMV may impose specific restrictions based on the individual’s medical history and the nature of their seizures.
  • It is crucial to consult directly with the NCDMV and your physician for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding driving restrictions in North Carolina.

You can find the official NCDMV website here: https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/offices-services/online/Pages/default.aspx

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