What should you know about cardiac seizure?

When the heart beats too slowly, too quickly, or irregularly, the brain may briefly receive less blood. A person can lose consciousness and have stiffening, jerking, or brief shaking. This can look like epilepsy, although the trigger and treatment may be different. A rapid recovery after the person lies down can support a fainting mechanism, but it does not prove the cause.

The event may be associated with palpitations, chest discomfort, breathlessness, or a family history of sudden cardiac death. Other causes of seizures or collapse can include alcohol withdrawal, low blood glucose, and meningitis. A clinician may ask about the sequence, witnesses, medicines, past illness, and injuries, then consider an examination, heart tracing, and blood tests.

Protect the person from nearby hazards, cushion the head, and loosen tight clothing around the neck. Do not restrain jerking, put anything in the mouth, or give food or drink until the person is fully alert. Once the movements stop, place an unconscious but breathing person on their side and stay with them. Note what happened before, during, and after the event, including colour change, breathing, duration, and recovery.

Arrange prompt medical assessment after a first episode, an unexplained collapse, or any event involving palpitations or injury. Do not drive until a clinician has advised that it is safe. If the person has diabetes, follow their established emergency plan; do not give oral sugar while they are unconscious.

Call emergency services if the person is not breathing normally, does not wake promptly, has repeated episodes, has severe chest pain, or remains confused or weak. Seek emergency help when the event occurs during exercise, follows a serious injury, or affects someone with known heart disease. Urgent assessment is also needed if pregnancy, a severe infection, or possible poisoning is involved.

Ask whether the episode sounds more like fainting, a heart rhythm disturbance, or epilepsy; whether you need an electrocardiogram or specialist monitoring; which medicines or activities could increase risk; and what warning symptoms should trigger emergency help.