What are the risks if a seizure lasts too long?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Seizures that last longer than 5 minutes—or occur back-to-back without recovery in between—are considered a medical emergency known as status epilepticus. Prolonged seizures can cause brain damage, breathing problems, injury, and, in rare cases, death. Immediate treatment is critical to protect the brain and prevent long-term complications.

If you or someone you know has experienced unusual symptoms, prolonged episodes, or unexplained neurological changes, don't wait to find answers. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you understand what may be going on and guide you toward the right next steps—whether that's seeing a doctor, seeking emergency care, or simply gaining peace of mind. Early insight can make all the difference.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn if prolonged seizures need urgent care Discover what may be causing seizures Find out if it could be epilepsy See OTC options for seizure symptoms Find neurologists for seizure evaluation Understand home care after a seizure Check if seizures need immediate treatment

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Explanation

A seizure that lasts too long can be very serious.

Possible Risks:
Brain Damage: When a seizure goes on for a long time, it can harm the brain. This is because the brain needs oxygen to work well, and a long seizure can stop it from getting enough oxygen.
Other Health Problems: Long seizures can lead to injuries or make it hard for someone to breathe.
Children and Seizures: Seizures in children usually do not last very long. However, if a child's seizure does not stop quickly, it's important to get help.
Treatment Options: There are medicines that can help stop a long seizure. For example, Levetiracetam is a medicine that can be used to treat seizures.

If you see someone having a seizure that doesn't stop, it's important to get medical help right away. If you're experiencing concerning symptoms yourself, try Ubie's free AI symptom checker to better understand what might be happening and when to seek care.

(References)

Shinnar S, Berg AT, Moshe SL, & Shinnar R. (2001). How long do new-onset seizures in children last?. Annals of neurology, 11357957.
Appleton RE, Rainford NE, Gamble C, Messahel S, Humphreys A, Hickey H, et al. (2020). Levetiracetam as an alternative to phenytoin for second- .... Health technology assessment (Winchester, England), 33190679.
Derex L, Rheims S, & Peter-Derex L. (2021). Seizures and epilepsy after intracerebral hemorrhage. Journal of neurology, 33569652.

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