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Published on: 7/21/2026
What should I do if someone has a grand mal seizure?
If someone has a grand mal (tonic-clonic) seizure, act quickly to keep them safe:
- Ease them to the floor and clear the area of hard or sharp objects.
- Cushion their head with something soft, like a folded jacket.
- Turn them onto their side to keep the airway clear.
- Loosen tight clothing around the neck.
- Do not restrain them or put anything in their mouth.
- Time the seizure and stay with them until they are fully alert.
Call 911 immediately if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, if it's their first seizure, if another seizure follows, if the person is injured, pregnant, has diabetes, or does not wake up afterward.
Seizures can have many underlying causes—from epilepsy to medication reactions, infections, or metabolic issues—and identifying the cause is essential to prevent future episodes. If you or a loved one has experienced a seizure or unexplained symptoms, don't wait to get clarity. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand what may be happening and get guidance on the right next steps for care.
Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026
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Grand mal seizures, also called generalized tonic-clonic seizures, involve loss of consciousness and violent muscle contractions. Here's what to do:
Stay calm: Keep track of the time the seizure starts. Protect the person: Move objects away to prevent injury. Cushion their head with something soft. Do not restrain: Avoid holding the person down or putting anything in their mouth. Position safely: Once the seizure stops, help them lie on their side (recovery position) to keep the airway clear.
Call for emergency help if: The seizure lasts more than 5 minutes. Another seizure follows immediately. The person has difficulty breathing after the seizure. The person is injured, pregnant, or has other health concerns. It's their first seizure.
Most seizures stop on their own, but emergency care may be needed to prevent complications. If you or someone you know is experiencing recurring symptoms or health concerns, check your symptoms with Ubie's free AI-powered tool to better understand what might be happening and when to seek medical attention.
(References)
Kodankandath TV, Theodore D, & Samanta D. (2025). Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizure. Unknown Journal, 32119383.
Korinthenberg R. (1992). [Grand mal epilepsy in childhood]. Monatsschrift Kinderheilkunde : Organ der Deutschen Gesellschaft fur Kinderheilkunde, 1435812.
Simonson HC, & Pelberg AL. (1993). Unnecessary emergency transport and care of grand mal .... American journal of medical quality : the official journal of the American College of Medical Quality, 8513251.
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