Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that is characterized by recurrent unprovoked seizures. It is usually controlled; surgery is considered in difficult cases but it cannot be cured with medication. There are many types of epileptic syndromes but they are not lifelong; some are confined to particular stages of childhood.

Witnessing an epileptic seizure is frightening especially if you have no idea what it is about. But you ought to know that epilepsy is treated with medication that is prescribed by a physician, primary caregivers, neurologists and neurosurgeons. There are some cases where the implantation of a stimulator of the vagus nerve or a special diet can be helpful to a person who experiences an epileptic seizure. The neurosurgical operations for epilepsy are usually palliative, but it does not cure the syndrome totally. It can help in reducing the frequency or the severity of the seizures. But for some lucky patients, an operation can be curative.

When you are faced with an epileptic seizure, you must not panic. The first thing you should think of, is to protect the person having a seizure from any form of injury. Jerking movement can cause bumps and injuries from the surroundings. You should be alert for any sharp objects that are near or within the patient, to prevent further injury.

You should place something soft beneath the head, so as to prevent possible head injury. You must also carefully roll the person into the recovery position (the mouth is downward so that the vomit or blood can actually drain from the patient, the chin is well up so as to keep the epiglottis opened. The arms and legs are locked as to stabilize the position of the patient) to avoid possible asphyxiation.

Look for an identity card or if there is an epilepsy identity card. Most people who have epileptic seizures have medical record or previous seizure history and are give identity cards to know who to call in case of an epileptic seizure.

At the first sign of a seizure, before performing any intervention get someone to call for 911 or professional medical help. You should never place any object in the person's mouth as this could result to serious injury.  After experiencing an epileptic seizure, aid the person's breathing. The person may be disoriented and unaware of his or her surroundings at this time, and you should stay with the person until complete recovery, reassuring and comforting him or her all at the same time until medical personnel arrives.