From February 14 to 21, the Second Annual Seizure Action Plan Awareness Week will highlight the importance of having a seizure action plan in place. The awareness campaign is supported by the Seizure Action Plan Coalition.

What is a Seizure Action Plan?

A Seizure Action Plan – or SAP – incorporates tailored guidelines on how to respond during a seizure. It includes essential information that can help people react quickly and reduce the harm a seizure can do. The use of a SAP can offer more control to patients and caregivers by providing consistent, patient-specific guidance regarding seizure management. A SAP can provide clarification on patient and caregiver concerns, such as understanding what to do during a seizure, when watchful waiting is appropriate, when to intervene with at-home rescue medications, when to call 911 or go to the hospital, and much more.

Why do I need one?

A SAP is important because seizures can be life-threatening. Having a SAP lets others know what to do in an emergency situation. A SAP can reduce the time to action during a seizure and faster response times can reduce risk of prolonged seizures, the need for emergency rescue medications, and the risk for seizure-associated mortality.

CNF Resources

Many people control seizures with medication, lifestyle changes, devices, and/or surgery. It is important to control seizures as much as possible to reduce the risk of injury, health complications, and, in some cases, sudden unexplained death in epilepsy.

The Epilepsy Education Hub looks at some of the different things to consider when managing seizures from special diets to rescue medications to advocating for your child. We hear from medical experts and families, and answer questions from the community.