Seizure Disorders, Parkinson's Disease & Multiple Sclerosis

During a seizure, the nursing priority is protecting the patient from injury — do not restrain the patient's movements, do not put anything in the mouth (a longstanding myth; nothing should ever be forced between the teeth), turn the patient to the side if possible to keep the airway clear, and time the seizure, since a seizure lasting more than about 5 minutes (status epilepticus) is a medical emergency requiring urgent intervention. After the seizure, the postictal period (confusion, fatigue) is expected and the patient needs a quiet environment and reorientation, not immediate detailed questioning.