Epilepsy symptoms: what to know

A seizure is a temporary burst of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Some seizures cause stiffening, rhythmic jerking, loss of awareness, or a fall. Others are less obvious: a person may stare, stop responding, repeat a movement, feel a rising sensation, notice an unusual smell, or become confused for a short time. Tiredness, headache, muscle soreness, or a period of confusion can follow.

One seizure does not by itself establish epilepsy. Clinicians consider the event, medical history, examination, and whether episodes recur without an immediate trigger.

Make the area safer, cushion the head, loosen tight clothing around the neck, and turn the person gently onto their side when possible. Do not restrain them, put anything in their mouth, or offer food or drink until they are fully alert. Note the start and end time, movements, breathing, awareness, and recovery. A witness account or safe video can help a clinician assess the episode.

Call emergency services if a seizure lasts longer than five minutes, another seizure starts before recovery, breathing does not return normally, the person is injured, the event happens in water, or it is a first suspected seizure. Urgent assessment is also needed with severe headache, fever and stiff neck, pregnancy, diabetes, or continuing confusion. For non-urgent episodes, arrange a GP Consultation and avoid driving until medically advised.

Ask what type of episode is suspected, whether tests are needed, how to reduce immediate risks, and what restrictions apply to driving, work, swimming, or bathing. Bring a list of medicines, sleep changes, alcohol use, illness, and any previous episodes.