What should you know about covid seizure?

A seizure can involve stiffening, rhythmic jerking, a brief loss of awareness, unusual movements, or confusion afterwards. COVID-19 may occur at the same time without being the direct cause. Fever, dehydration, low oxygen, Hypoglycaemia, medication effects, alcohol withdrawal, and brain infections such as Meningitis are among the possibilities a clinician may consider.

The person may be sleepy or confused after the event. Note what happened before, during, and after it, including breathing changes, injury, fever, and how long recovery took. Do not assume a first seizure is explained by a known infection.

Protect the person from nearby hazards, cushion the head, loosen tight clothing around the neck, and turn them onto their side when the movements stop if they are breathing. Stay with them and observe the event. Do not restrain them, put anything in their mouth, or give food, drink, or tablets until they are fully alert.

Call emergency services for a first seizure, repeated seizures without recovery, breathing difficulty, serious injury, pregnancy, diabetes, or a seizure that does not stop promptly. Keep the person's medicines and relevant medical information available for responders.

Emergency help is needed after a first seizure, if the person remains unconscious or confused, has trouble breathing, develops a severe headache or stiff neck, or has a high fever with a new rash. Call urgently for weakness on one side, a head injury, or another seizure before recovery. These features can signal a serious brain or metabolic problem.

Ask what tests are needed to look for infection, oxygen problems, blood-glucose changes, or medicine effects; whether brain or neurological assessment is required; and what seizure-safety steps apply at home. Tell the clinician about alcohol use, recent withdrawal, missed medicines, and any previous events.