Share My Seizure

 

Remember #StaySafeSide For Seizure First Aid.

Michael Shares His Seizure On The Basketball Court

Seizure First Aid is Stay Safe Side

Michael, a high school basketball player who’s having a great game, is on the free-throw line. His coach, teammates, and fans are cheering him on. Suddenly, everyone can see something is wrong, and Michael falls.

His coach recognizes what’s happening, “He’s having a seizure.” He springs into action because he knows what to do: he knows Seizure First Aid.

After the game, both Michael and his coach know that for Michael’s safety, as well as the safety of everyone else who lives with epilepsy, they need to teach the team about Seizure First Aid.

Go to epilepsy.com/firstaid

"Will you join the team and learn what to do?"

The first steps are providing comfort, giving general care and keeping the person safe: #StaySafeSide. The steps are simple and anyone can do them.

Download The Seizure First Aid Poster

Seizure First Aid: #StaySafeSide

  1. STAY with the person and start timing the seizure. Remain calm and check for medical ID.
  2. Keep the person SAFE. Move or guide away from harmful objects.
  3. Turn the person onto their SIDE if they are not awake and aware. Don’t block airway, put something small and soft under the head, loosen tight clothes around neck.
  4. Do NOT put anything in their mouth. Don’t give water, pills or food until the person is awake.
  5. Do NOT restrain.
  6. STAY with them until they are awake and alert after the seizure. Most seizures end in a few minutes.

When to Call 911

  • Seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes
  • Repeated seizures
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Seizure occurs in water
  • Person is injured, pregnant, or sick
  • Person does not return to their usual state
  • First time seizure

Learn More:

Seizure First Aid and Safety

Spread Awareness!

Seizure First Aid is Stay Safe Side - phone lock screen

Help spread awareness about epilepsy and teach others about Seizure First Aid.

  • Follow the hashtags #ShareMySeizure and #StaySafeSide. Share, retweet, and comment on social media.
  • Download the Seizure First Aid poster and share it your friends, classmates, co-workers, neighbors, church members, bowling league -- EVERYONE.
  • Download a photo of the Seizure First Aid poster (click photo at right) and make it your lock screen on your cell phone so you’ll have it ready when you need it.
  • Talk about epilepsy and seizures to help others understand what it is, what it isn’t, and how to help to end fear, stop myths, increase understanding, and save lives.

About #ShareMySeizure

#ShareMySeizure is an education and awareness initiative conducted cooperatively between the Epilepsy Foundation and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Our media partner in this initiative is the CBS Community Partnership Division. #ShareMySeizure seeks to improve public recognition of seizures, understanding about epilepsy, and knowledge about proper Seizure First Aid. It also encourages people living with seizures to seek out the best specialty treatment available for optimal control and quality of life.

CBS Local

The #ShareMySeizure initiative includes televised public service announcements (PSAs) in select markets, as well as digital and social media components available nationwide and world-wide through CBS Local, Epilepsy Foundation, and CDC social media and digital platforms.

Televised PSAs

Launching March 4, the 2019 initiative is basketball themed to coincide with the “March Madness” NCAA basketball tournament. The PSAs center on Michael, a high school basketball player who lives with epilepsy. Leading up to and during the NCAA tournament, the following PSAs will air on CBS stations in Chicago and Philadelphia and on the CW station in Atlanta.

 

15-second PSA

30-second PSA

Previously on #ShareMySeizure

#ShareMySeizure launched in November 2016 for National Epilepsy Awareness Month. It introduced everyone to Wendy and Sarah, who wanted everyone to understand what epilepsy is and that there are many different types of seizures. The following PSAs aired on the CBS station in Chicago, with digital/social media placements nationwide. In November 2017, the PSAs expanded to include the CBS station in Philadelphia.

"“I have epilepsy. And I’d like to share my seizure with you. I want you to see it so you won’t be afraid. - Wendy"
"“I have epilepsy and I had a seizure on live TV. If I can help anyone, I would be willing to show it a million times over. - Sarah"

Learn More

Did You Know There Are Many Types Of Seizures And They Look Very Different?
    Read More...

    Many different things can occur during a seizure. Whatever the brain and body can do normally can also occur during a seizure. Learn about the different types of seizures and epilepsy syndromes on the pages below. Then share the pages with others to help them understand the spectrum of epilepsy.

     

    Could You Have Epilepsy And Not Know It?
      Read More...

      Approximately 1 in 26 people in the United States will develop epilepsy at some point in their lifetime. Epilepsy strikes regardless of age, gender, or race. Help others understand the facts about epilepsy and seizures by sharing these pages.

       

      This program is made possible with funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) under cooperative grant agreement number 5 NU58DP006256-04-00, CFDA 93.850. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the CDC. The views and information provided in this guide are solely those of the Epilepsy Foundation and should in no way be deemed as substitution for medical advice.

      Reviewed By:

      Epilepsy Foundation Marketing & Communications

      on Friday, February 28, 2020

      Resources

      Epilepsy Centers

      Epilepsy centers provide you with a team of specialists to help you diagnose your epilepsy and explore treatment options.

      >

      Epilepsy Medication

      Find in-depth information on anti-seizure medications so you know what to ask your doctor.

      >

      Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 Helpline

      Call our Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 Helpline and talk with an epilepsy information specialist or submit a question online.

      >

      Tools & Resources

      Get information, tips, and more to help you manage your epilepsy.

      >

      Related Stories

      Sign Up for Emails

      Stay up to date with the latest epilepsy news, stories from the community, and more.

      Subscribe