Busting dangerous first aid myths about epileptic seizures

Across India, people recognise the scenario when someone has a seizure – a person suddenly collapses, the body stiffens, limbs jerk, and breathing sounds unfamiliar. Panic spreads instantly: people rush in, shouting instructions, grabbing arms, forcing mouths open and sticking an old key, a metal piece, or even a cloth in.

For the person having a seizure, this is a moment of complete vulnerability, when consciousness fades and control is lost. When awareness slowly returns, it is often to pain, confusion, injuries—and the memory of being restrained by strangers. Much of this suffering is not caused by epilepsy, but by dangerous first aid myths that remain deeply rooted in society.

Epilepsy is a neurological condition. An epileptic seizure results from electrical disturbance in the brain — it is a medical event. It does not need force, fear, or crowd control. It needs calm, protection, and dignity.

Myth 1: Holding the person down prevents injury

The belief: Many people believe that restraining a person during a seizure will stop them from hurting themselves. Arms and legs are pinned down, and the body is held firmly to the ground in an attempt to “control” the situation.

The reality: Seizure movements are involuntary. They cannot be stopped by force. Restraining the body often leads to torn muscles, dislocated shoulders, fractures, and spinal injuries. When consciousness returns after the seizure, the person wakes up not only exhausted, but injured and in pain. Protection means clearing the space—not controlling the body. Seizure jerks cannot be controlled by external force; this is harmful and causes injuries

Myth 2: Something must be put in the mouth

The belief: A deeply-ingrained fear exists that the person will “swallow their tongue”. As a result, spoons, cloth, keys, or fingers are pushed into the mouth in desperation.

The reality: The tongue cannot be swallowed. What can happen is broken teeth, jaw injuries or choking to the person suffering, or severe bites to helpers. Tongue-biting, while distressing to witness, is usually minor and heals naturally. No objects should ever be put in the mouth during a seizure. Forcing metal or cloth pieces can lead to oral and dental injuries and in worse cases, choking. It is prudent to turn the person on to one side, so that all secretions can drain out, and the risk of choking is minimised.

Myth 3: The seizure will not stop without action

The belief: There is a fear among most people that unless someone intervenes, the seizure will continue endlessly. They believe that water must be poured to control shaking, or increase restraint.

The reality: Most seizures last one to two minutes and stop on their own. Interference does not shorten them. What truly matters is carefully watching and monitoring the time to call for medical help if needed—such as if the seizure lasts longer than five minutes or repeats without recovery.

Why these myths are dangerous

In India, epilepsy still carries stigma and continues to be misunderstood; many families hide a diagnosis of epilepsy among relatives. First aid knowledge is absent or very limited, and myths are passed down with good intentions. But intentions do not prevent injury. When a person wakes up after a seizure, they are often confused, weak, and deeply embarrassed. Being restrained or surrounded by panic, adds emotional trauma to physical injury or exhaustion. Dignity is often the first casualty.

What helps? Correct seizure first aid is simple, quiet, and respectful:

• Stay calm and stay with the person

• Move harmful objects away

• Place something soft under the head

• Time the seizure

• Do not restrain movements

• Do not put anything in the mouth

Once movements stop, gently turn the person onto their side and allow them to rest.

Hospitals regularly treat people with epilepsy for injuries caused not by seizures, but by incorrect first aid—broken teeth, dislocated joints, deep bruises. Families often carry guilt, wishing they had known better. These injuries are preventable; the fear that causes them does not have to exist.

A call for compassion

Millions of Indians live with epilepsy. They study, work, travel, and dream like everyone else. During a seizure, what they need most is not control, but care.

This International Epilepsy Day, the message with regard to first aid during a seizure must be clear and shared widely. Changing the perception of seizures is not just a medical responsibility; it is a human one.

(Dr. Pradnya Gadgil is senior consultant – paediatric neurology and clinical lead for complex epilepsy programme at Narayana Health SRCC Children’s Hospital, Mumbai. Info.Srcc@narayanahealth.org)

Published – February 09, 2026 12:59 pm IST