It is not recommended to restrain the arms or any part of a person having a seizure. Trying to hold them down can cause harm and injury both to the person having the seizure and to the helper. Instead, the priority is to keep the person safe by moving dangerous objects away, cushioning their head, and allowing the seizure to take its natural course without interference. The person should be gently laid on their side if possible to help keep the airway clear and prevent choking. Staying calm and remaining with the person until the seizure ends is important. Key points:
- Do not restrain or hold the person down during a seizure.
- Remove any nearby objects that could cause injury.
- Place something soft under their head.
- Turn the person gently on their side if possible.
- Do not put anything in their mouth.
- Stay with the person until the seizure is over and they are fully awake.
These guidelines are widely recommended by health organizations such as WebMD, Mayo Clinic, and epilepsy foundations.