Witnessing a generalized seizure can be distressing. Often, people may do things that make the situation worse, or may not know what to do. Friends and family of a person who has seizures may be instructed by a physician on specific things to do during a seizure. In general, there are certain things bystanders can do (and not do) to prevent additional harm to the person having a generalized seizure.

What not to do:

• Do not place anything in the person’s mouth. This may increase the risk of choking.
  
  
• Do not restrain the person. Trying to hold a person down while they are having a seizure may cause more harm than good.

What to do:

• Clear the area. Move any furniture or objects out of the way that may cause harm to the person having a seizure. This includes objects on tables or stands that may be knocked over.
  
  
• If vomit or mucus are present, turn the person on their side. If the person begins vomiting, they should be gently rolled onto their side to prevent them from inhaling or choking on their own vomit. After the seizure is over, they may be gently rolled onto their side to keep their respiratory tract clear of mucus if they sleep for a short while after the attack.
  
  
• Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation is rarely required after a generalized seizure. In most cases, the person who has had a seizure returns to normal within minutes.