If someone uses a wheelchair

Usually, a person with epilepsy will have a care plan. The care plan will advise how to help the person if they use a wheelchair and have a seizure, and how to help once the seizure has stopped. If you can’t find the care plan, here is some general information about what to do if someone has a seizure while using their wheelchair.

How to help

• Put the wheelchair brakes on.
• Do not try to restrain them or put anything in their mouth.
• Do not try to move them, unless their care plan says to do so. Moving them could cause injury to either you, or the person having the seizure.
• Let them stay sitting in the wheelchair and, if they they are wearing a harness or seatbelt, keep it fastened. 
• If they are not wearing a harness or seatbelt, try to gently support them in the wheelchair to avoid them falling.
• Try to support or cushion the person’s head, perhaps with a rolled up jumper or a head rest if there is one.
• Do not try to bring them round or give them anything to eat or drink until you are sure that they have completely recovered.

Epilepsy Society is grateful to Dr F J Rugg-Gunn Consultant Neurologist & Honorary Associate Professor, Clinical Lead, Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, who reviewed this information.

Information updated: May 2024