First Aid Absence Seizures

 

Absence seizures usually require no first aid. They are brief and almost never associated with falling or injury. There may be situations where people will need help during absence seizures. Many absence seizures can occur close together in a cluster. When this happens, the person may be confused and not know what they are doing or be in an unsafe place.

  • Keep a person who looks confused in a safe place.
  • Take dangerous objects out of their hands.
  • Remove the person from sports, water, or other potentially dangerous activities during the cluster or confused period.

Very rarely, absence seizures can occur as a continuous state called "absence status epilepticus." The term nonconvulsive status epilepticus may also be used to describe the same situation.

Authored By:

Joseph I. Sirven MD / Patricia O. Shafer RN MN

on Saturday, September 02, 2017

Reviewed By:

Epilepsy Foundation Communications

on Friday, January 03, 2020

Resources

Epilepsy Centers

Epilepsy centers provide you with a team of specialists to help you diagnose your epilepsy and explore treatment options.

>

Epilepsy Medication

Find in-depth information on anti-seizure medications so you know what to ask your doctor.

>

Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 Helpline

Call our Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 Helpline and talk with an epilepsy information specialist or submit a question online.

>

Tools & Resources

Get information, tips, and more to help you manage your epilepsy.

>

Find an Epilepsy Specialist

Ready for help? Find an Epilepsy specialist who can help guide you through your epilepsy journey.