Module

Seizure safety after stroke: a simple plan (caregiver + survivor)

A plain-language seizure safety plan: what a seizure can look like after stroke, what to do during one, and when it’s an emergency

Recovery & RehabCaregiver, SurvivorIntro10 minPlain (6–8)

Educational only

Educational only — follow your clinician’s individualized guidance.

Get help now

If a seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, repeats without full recovery, causes trouble breathing, or causes serious injury: call your local emergency number immediately.

What you'll learn

  • Recognize common seizure signs
  • Respond safely during a seizure
  • Know when to call emergency services

Key insight

Seizure lasts >5 minutes

What seizures can look like

  • Shaking/jerking
  • Staring/unresponsive
  • Confusion after
  • Sudden odd sensations

What to do (steps)

  • Stay calm and time it
  • Protect from injury; move hazards
  • Turn on side if possible
  • Do not put anything in mouth
  • Do not hold them down

When it’s an emergency

  • Trouble breathing
  • Injury
  • Seizure lasts >5 minutes
  • Back-to-back seizures
  • First seizure ever

After the seizure

  • Reassure
  • Check injuries
  • Write down what happened
  • Follow up with clinician

Practice check

Check your understanding

A few untimed questions. Pick an answer to see instant feedback, then continue to the next lesson.

0 of 3 answered

Question 1

1. During a seizure, you should:

Question 2

2. A common myth is that you should:

Question 3

3. An emergency is:

References

  1. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke logo
    National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
    Stroke (overview)