What to do

Simple partial seizures don't require any special response except to recognize what's happening and be supportive when the seizure is over.

For complex partial seizures, the following steps may help:

• Reassure others. Explain that any unusual behavior is a temporary condition brought on by a seizure and that it will end in a few minutes.
• Remove hazards or anything from the area that might injure someone who doesn't know where he is or what he's doing.
• Don't restrain the person during a complex partial seizure, especially if he or she is already agitated and confused. Efforts to restrain may produce an unconscious aggressive response.
• Guide gently away from or block access to anything that could be dangerous to someone in a semi-conscious state, like an open fire or a busy street.
• Stay back until the episode has ended if the person appears obviously agitated or belligerent.
• Be reassuring and helpful as awareness returns. Remember that people may get back their ability to hear and understand before they are able to speak again. Confusion, depression, agitation, irritability, belligerence or drowsiness are all possible aftereffects of seizures.
• Watch the time. Most partial seizures last a minute or two. But people may feel confused for up to half an hour afterwards. Longer periods of confusion may mean that seizure activity is continuing and the person needs medical help.