Version July 2025
Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.
What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
You came to the ED because you had a seizure. Seizures are waves of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. They can make you pass out, or move or behave strangely. Most seizures last only a few seconds or a few minutes.
Some people who have repeated seizures have a condition called "epilepsy." But problems such as low blood sugar or an infection can also cause seizures. Other things like anxiety or fainting spells can cause symptoms that look like seizures.
The doctors think your seizure was not caused by something new or dangerous, and it is safe for you to go home. After a seizure, you will probably feel very tired.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also:
●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to.
●Take all your medicines exactly as instructed. Do not let your prescriptions run out. Talk to your doctor about any side effects you have.
●Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before you take any new medicines. This includes over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements.
●Do not drive until you get permission from your doctor. You should also be cleared by the department that issued your driver's license. For safety reasons, nearly all states and countries have laws about seizures and driving.
●Have someone stay with you when you go home. Make sure your family and friends know what to do if you have a seizure. They should:
•Lay you gently on the ground.
•Turn you on your side, and support your head with a pillow or soft object.
•Move things away that could hurt you if you hit them.
•Not put anything in your mouth.
•Keep track of how long the seizure lasts using a clock or watch. If it lasts longer than 5 minutes, or if you do not wake up after, they should call for emergency help.
●Avoid alcohol.
●Try to get 8 hours of sleep every night, if possible.
When do I need to get emergency help?
●Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if you:
•Have a seizure that lasts longer than 5 minutes, or do not wake up after
•Have repeated seizures over 24 hours
•Have signs of a stroke like sudden:
-Numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on 1 side of the body
-Confusion, or trouble speaking or understanding
-Trouble seeing in 1 or both eyes
-Trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination
-Severe headache with no known cause
●Return to the ED if you:
•Vomit or have severe nausea
•Have a fever of 102.2°F (39°C) or higher, or chills
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if you:
●Have epilepsy, and your seizures are happening more often – For example, you used to have a seizure every couple of months and now you have one every few weeks.
●Have new or worsening symptoms
Patient education: Seizures (The Basics)
Patient education: Epilepsy in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Epilepsy and pregnancy (The Basics)
