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Though March 17th is officially recognized as National Epilepsy Awareness Day, tomorrow—March 18th—is the day to show your support! Across the country, people dressed in purple will walk to raise funds for the 3 million Americans living with epileptic seizures, including friends, family members, and loved ones. These fundraising efforts help fuel research into promising new treatments, such as a groundbreaking intravenous anti-epileptic medication that has shown encouraging results in newborns with seizures.
But epilepsy awareness is about more than just funding—it’s also about education and advocacy. Awareness efforts aim to reduce stigma, ensure people with epilepsy are protected under health care reform, and promote seizure-informed training for first responders. By educating the public, we help ensure that seizures are not mistaken for behaviors caused by drugs or alcohol, leading to better treatment and compassion in emergency situations.
You can stand with thousands across the nation by wearing purple, making a donation, or joining a local awareness walk. Even taking time to learn about epilepsy is a meaningful way to show support.
What to Do and What Not to Do When Someone Has a Seizure
Knowing how to respond during a seizure is one of the most powerful ways to support someone with epilepsy. It can make the experience safer, calmer, and less frightening for everyone involved. Whether you’re a bystander or a caregiver, here are some essential dos and don’ts to keep in mind:
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Loosen any tight clothing around the person’s neck. This helps ensure that the person can breathe more easily during the seizure, especially if they’re lying down or if muscle contractions are affecting their posture.
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Do not try to hold the person down or restrain them. Seizures often involve involuntary muscle movements. Attempting to restrain the person can cause accidental injuries to both them and you. Allow the seizure to run its course naturally.
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Do not insert anything into the person’s mouth. You may have heard the myth that a person could swallow their tongue during a seizure—this is false. The human jaw can exert anywhere between 100-200 pounds of pressure if clenched during a seizure, so inserting an object, such as a spoon or your fingers, can damage teeth, block the airway, cause the person to choke, or cause you to lose a finger! Instead, let their body relax on its own.
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Reassure others nearby and ask them to give the person space. Crowds can be overwhelming or even dangerous. Encourage others to stay calm, keep their distance, and avoid making the situation worse by panicking or crowding in. This is especially true if the person has a seizure-alert dog with them. Keep onlookers from petting or otherwise interfering with the animal on duty.
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Remove sharp or hard objects (like glasses or furniture) from the area to prevent injury. If possible, gently move nearby furniture, sharp items, or anything hard that could cause injury if the person strikes it during the seizure. If the person is wearing glasses, carefully remove them as well.
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After the seizure, gently roll the person onto their side. This position—called the recovery position—helps keep the airway open and allows saliva or vomit to drain safely from the mouth, reducing the risk of choking.
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Stay with them. The person may be confused, disoriented, or emotionally shaken after the seizure. Remain with them until they are fully alert and safe. Speak calmly and gently to help them reorient.
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Call 911 when necessary. You may not need to call emergency services if the person has a history of epilepsy and recovers normally. However, call for help if:
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The seizure lasts longer than five minutes
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The person doesn’t regain consciousness
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The person has no known history of seizures or you don’t know their history
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The person has a medical condition like diabetes or heart disease
- The person has been injured
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You feel something else might be wrong
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- Record the details of the seizure. The duration and intensity of the seizure, as well as what happened during, may be helpful for the person, their doctors, and any first responders. Once the person is safe and conscious, take a brief moment to write what you remember and share it with appropriate parties.
Epilepsy Awareness Starts with You
Epilepsy may be a medical condition, but awareness is a human one. Whether you wear purple, join a fundraising walk, or simply learn how to help during a seizure, every action you take helps reduce stigma and promote understanding. Millions of people live with epilepsy, and thanks to advocates like you, they don’t have to walk that journey alone. Compassion, knowledge, and a willingness to act can make all the difference.
If you’re interested in learning more about medical advancements in the field of neurology, check out our other article ‘The Migraine Compendium: A Look at Treating Migraines with Botox.’
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Article updated 6/10/25.