Can You Stop Breathing from a Seizure?

During the tonic phase of the seizure, they may temporarily stop breathing and their face may become dusky or blue, especially around the mouth. This period is usually brief (usually no more than 30 to 45 seconds) and does not require CPR.

What type of seizure causes you to stop breathing?

Tonic-clonic seizures, formerly known as grand mal seizures, comprise two stages: a tonic phase and a clonic phase. These intense seizures can be frightening to experience or observe, as extreme muscle spasms may temporarily arrest breathing.

How common is it to stop breathing during a seizure?

In all, 35% of patients temporarily stopped breathing during seizures and 30% temporarily stopped breathing afterward. Serotonin levels after a seizure were higher than before it in patients who did not temporarily stop breathing either during or after the event.