We Need Your Help!

A survey is presently being conducted by a graduate student from Western Carolina University on transportation and epilepsy. Participants need to be 18 and above with at least a two year history of epilepsy. Information from this survey will be very helpful in assessing the transportation issues that people with epilepsy face in our state. If you would be interested in participating in this survey contact: Patricia Gibson at the Epilepsy Information Service at 1-800-642-0500 or email:pgibson@wakehealth.edu

First aid instructions for seizures

When to call 911 or EMS

  • The person has several seizures in a short time
  • The seizure lasts more than five minutes
  • The person is injured due to the seizure
  • The person is choking or having problems with breathing after the seizure stops

For all types of seizures

  1. Stay calm
  2. Don't try to restrain or hold the person down
  3. Stay with them until they have recovered

For generalized tonic clonic seizures

  1. Remove dangerous objects from the area
  2. Cushion the head if the person is on a hard surface
  3. Turn the person on their side once the seizure is over
  4. Don't put anything into the person's mouth – it is not possible to swallow the tongue

For complex partial seizures

  1. Guide the person away from any dangerous situation (roads, etc.)
  2. Tell them what happened when they have recovered

Other ways to get help

First aid instructions for seizures

Support groups

Resources

Helpline

Epilepsy Alliance North Carolina

Piedmont One, Suite 5541 A
1920 W. First Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27104

Telephone: (800) 451-0694
Local: (336) 716-2320
Fax: (336) 716-6018

Email: PGibson@WakeHealth.edu