Vitamin E May Help Reduce Seizures in Children with Epilepsy
Researchers studied the effects of vitamin E as an additional treatment for epilepsy by reviewing 11 randomized controlled trials that included a total of 824 patients.
Safety & First Aid
This hub covers seizure first aid: what to do during a seizure, when to use rescue meds, and when to call 911. Clear, research-informed guidance for home, school, sports, and sleep.
What you’ll find in this topic:
- Plain-language summaries of new epilepsy studies
- What the research means for real life
- Practical questions to ask your neurologist
- Related topics you can explore next
Safety & First Aid: What Families Usually Want to Know
- What to do during a convulsive seizure (step-by-step)
- When to use rescue medicine
- When to call 911 vs. monitor at home
- Safety planning for school, sports, bathing, and sleep
Seizure First Aid Basics in Plain English
- Time it: Start a timer.
- Protect the head: Move hazards, cushion head.
- Side position: Recovery position when possible.
- Nothing in the mouth: No food/drink, no objects.
- Stay with them: Until fully awake and safe.
Related Topics
Safety & First Aid FAQ
Do you have a seizure first aid sheet that I can print out?
Yes, you can get it here! Stick it on the fridge, give it to the grandparents, and share it with teachers.
When should I call 911?
If a convulsive seizure lasts ~5 minutes, breathing is abnormal, injury occurs, it’s a first seizure, or recovery is not typical.
What’s a seizure action plan?
A written plan for caregivers/schools that includes seizure types, what to do, and when to use rescue meds.
Is swimming allowed?
Often yes with 1:1 close supervision, a plan, and risk discussion with your neurologist.
What about baths?
Showers are usually safer than baths. If using a bath, supervision matters.
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New Treatment Reduces Seizures in Dogs with Epilepsy
Researchers studied the effects of a new treatment called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on dogs with drug-resistant epilepsy.
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Recovery Position for Seizures: Guidelines Are Conflicting
This study looked at how first aid guidelines recommend using the recovery position (RP) for people having generalized seizures.
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New Brain Stimulation Method Shows Promise for Neurological Disorders
Researchers studied a method called transcranial temporal interference stimulation (tTIS) to see how it could help people with neurological and psychiatric disorders.
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Safe and Efficient Use of Antiseizure Medications
Researchers studied the safety and effectiveness of quickly giving antiseizure medications (ASMs) to patients, focusing on three specific drugs: lacosamide, levetiracetam, and valproate.
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Comorbidities | Drug-Resistant Epilepsy | Epilepsy Research Summaries | New Studies | Safety & First Aid
Rare Condition Linked to Lamotrigine Requires Quick Action
Researchers studied two patients who developed a serious condition called haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) after starting a medication called lamotrigine, which is often used to treat epilepsy.
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Diazepam Nasal Spray Safe for Young Kids with Epilepsy
Researchers studied how well diazepam nasal spray works and its safety for young children with epilepsy, specifically those aged 2 to 5 years.
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Phenytoin’s Impact on Driving Safety and Performance
Researchers conducted a study to understand how the antiepileptic drug phenytoin affects driving performance and cognitive abilities.
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Comorbidities | Devices & Neuromodulation | Drug-Resistant Epilepsy | Epilepsy Research Summaries | New Studies | Safety & First Aid
Vagus Nerve Stimulation May Help Treat Immune Diseases
Researchers examined the use of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) as a treatment for immune diseases, in addition to its established role in managing neurological conditions like epilepsy and depression.
