What should you know about a seizure?

A person may stare, become unresponsive, stiffen, jerk, collapse, or have changes in sensation or behaviour. Some seizures are subtle and involve brief confusion rather than shaking. Causes include epilepsy, low blood glucose, alcohol withdrawal, infection affecting the brain, head injury and other medical problems. A seizure is a symptom, not a diagnosis by itself, so a first episode needs medical evaluation.

Move nearby hard or sharp objects away and cushion the person’s head. Loosen tight clothing around the neck, note when the event starts, and stay with them. Do not restrain their movements, put anything in their mouth, or give food, drink or tablets until they are fully alert. When movements stop, place them on their side and check breathing.

Call emergency services if the seizure is prolonged, repeats without recovery, causes serious injury, happens in water, or the person has breathing difficulty. Urgent assessment is also needed for a first seizure, pregnancy, diabetes, suspected poisoning, fever with stiff neck, or persistent confusion. Meningitis and hypoglycaemia are examples of conditions that require rapid attention when their warning features are present.

Ask what may have triggered the event, whether blood tests or brain scans are needed, how to reduce injury risk, and whether driving or work precautions apply. Bring a witness’s description, including the person’s awareness, movements and recovery.