From Scared to Prepared: Practical Steps for Seizure Safety

I’ll never forget the moment my son, my bright, active, and determined teenager, walked into my room last week—confused, bloody, and covered in vomit. I froze. Then, as a single mom, I did what I’ve trained myself to do in every crisis: I moved. Towels, water, hugs. But inside? I was a mess of nerves.

This was his second seizure. The first one happened in March while he happened to be sleeping beside me (he was having insomnia). That night, I was lucky enough to know what was happening immediately. I could act. But this time, he was alone, in his workout room, and I had no idea until it was over. The guilt, fear, and helplessness that came flooding in afterward felt unbearable, but I know now that we’re not helpless. There is hope, and there are tools, and if you’re reading this because you’ve just experienced a similar moment, I want you to know: You’re not alone.

The scariest moment came when I took him to the ER. The CT scan revealed a brain bleed, and he was transported to our local pediatric ER. He then spent three days at the children’s hospital under observation. Those days were a whirlwind of fear and exhaustion, and even now, he’s still suffering from severe headaches as he recovers.

What I’ve Learned So Far

Seizures are terrifying—for those who experience them and the people who love them. I’m still figuring things out. My son’s first seizure was only months ago, and we’re still learning what to expect, how to respond, and how to plan for the unexpected. What I’ve learned already is that preparation can bring a sliver of peace in an otherwise overwhelming situation.

One of the tools we’re trying is the EmFit Movement Monitor, which is designed to detect unusual movements during sleep and sound an alarm if a seizure is suspected. So far, I’m hoping the sensitivity is enough to feel if my son is having an attack. Tests have been iffy—we’ve tried to simulate a seizure and it has a lag, but it does eventually set off the alarm after three or so seconds. The hope is that it will give me the ability to intervene promptly, whether that’s administering rescue medication or calling 911. If nothing else, it’s some measure of comfort for me.

We also tried SeizAlarm, an app that works with an Apple Watch to detect seizures and alert caregivers. However, my son didn’t want to wear his watch all the time, so it didn’t work for us. That said, it might be a great option for someone else who finds wearing a smartwatch more comfortable or convenient.

Actionable Tips for Families New to Seizures

If you’re navigating the early days of managing seizures in a loved one, here are a few things I’ve found helpful.

1. Create an Emergency Response Plan:
   • Know what to do during and after a seizure, including staying calm (by far my biggest challenge!) and ensuring their safety.
   • Write down instructions for administering rescue medications if prescribed and when to call for emergency help.
2. Invest in Monitoring Tools:
   • Tools like the EmFit mat can provide peace of mind, especially for nocturnal seizures.
   • There are also smartwatch-style devices like the Empatica Embrace or the NightWatch that can detect and alert you to seizure activity. We haven’t tried these yet, but plan to.
3. Build a Support Network:
   • Talk to your child’s school and any extracurricular supervisors about their condition and response protocols.
   • Join online or local support groups—other parents’ experiences can provide valuable insights and comfort.
4. Prioritize Mental Health:
   • This process is as much about caring for your emotional well-being as it is about managing the medical side. Therapy, journaling, or even just confiding in a trusted friend can make a difference.
5. Educate Yourself (and Others):
   • Take time to learn about seizure triggers, types, and treatment options. This knowledge can help you feel more in control.
   • Share this information with family and close friends so they can better support both you and your child.

Moving Forward with Less Stress

Caring for a loved one with seizures means living with a level of uncertainty that’s hard to explain. I don’t have all the answers, but I’m learning to navigate it bit by bit. For me, the biggest relief—for better or worse—is when I open his bedroom door in the morning and see that he’s okay. I can’t predict what the future holds, but I try to focus on what I can do now, like using tools such as the EmFit mat and finding small moments of gratitude. It’s not easy, but I’m figuring it out one day at a time.

Tools and Resources

• Epilepsy Foundation’s Seizure First Aid Guide
• Seizure-Tracking Apps: Options like SeizureTracker or EpiDiary can help you document episodes and share information with your healthcare provider.
• Support Groups: Look for groups like or online communities on platforms like Facebook or Reddit.

Steps I’m Taking

It’s not about finding perfect answers but creating workable solutions that fit into our imperfect lives. The tools, plans, and insights I’ve shared are just steps—steps I hope will give you the confidence to take your own. We’re figuring this out as we go, and that’s okay.

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Have a tip or question about managing seizures? Let’s connect in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!