What is epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a chronic brain condition characterised by recurrent seizures. Seizures are caused by temporary changes in electrical activity in the brain and can look very different from person to person.
Epilepsy learning centre
Knowledge replaces fear with confident action.
Start with clear, practical information about epilepsy, seizure first aid and when to seek emergency help.
Learn seizure first aidStart with the basics
Epilepsy is common—and treatable.
More than 50 million people worldwide live with epilepsy. The World Health Organization estimates that up to 70% could live seizure-free when properly diagnosed and treated.
Not every seizure looks the same
Some seizures involve loss of awareness and body movements. Others may look like staring, confusion, unusual sensations or brief changes in behaviour. A clinician should assess suspected seizures.
Treatment is individual
Anti-seizure medicines are the main treatment. Other options may help some people. Treatment decisions should be made with a qualified neurologist or epilepsy specialist.
Seizure first aid
Protect. Position. Reassure.
Most seizures end on their own. Your job is to reduce the risk of injury and remain with the person until they are alert.
- 1
Stay calm and stay with the person.
- 2
Time the seizure from the moment it begins.
- 3
Ease them to the ground if they are falling and clear nearby hazards.
- 4
Put something soft and flat under their head and remove eyeglasses.
- 5
Turn them gently onto one side when possible and loosen tight clothing around the neck.
- 6
Do not restrain their movements.
- 7
Never put food, water or any object in their mouth.
- 8
When the seizure ends, reassure them and help them recover in a safe place.
Call for urgent help
Call 112 in Kuwait when…
- The seizure lasts longer than five minutes.
- Another seizure begins soon after the first.
- The person has trouble breathing or waking up.
- The person is injured during the seizure.
- The seizure happens in water.
Myths & facts
Stigma grows where facts are missing.
Epilepsy is contagious.
Fact: It cannot pass from one person to another.
You should hold the person down.
Fact: Restraint can cause injury. Clear the area and protect their head instead.
People can swallow their tongue.
Fact: This cannot happen. Never put an object in the person's mouth.
Trusted sources
Go deeper with official guidance.
This information is educational and is not a diagnosis or a substitute for advice from a qualified healthcare professional.