Epileptic seizure: what to know

Some seizures cause a person to fall, stiffen, jerk, lose awareness, or become unresponsive. Others cause staring, repetitive movements, unusual feelings, a strange taste or smell, or sudden confusion without dramatic movement. Recovery can include sleepiness, headache, soreness, or difficulty speaking. A seizure may have several possible causes, including epilepsy, alcohol withdrawal, low blood glucose, infection, head injury, or another medical problem.

The event’s timing and setting help clinicians distinguish a seizure from fainting, sleep-related movement, or another episode.

Stay with the person, remove hazards, cushion the head, loosen tight clothing, and turn them onto their side when safe. Do not restrain them, place anything in their mouth, or give food, drink, or medicine until they are alert. Time the seizure and note breathing, responsiveness, movements, injury, and recovery. Speak calmly afterward and allow privacy while confusion settles.

Call emergency services when a seizure lasts longer than five minutes, repeats without recovery, causes serious injury, happens in water, or breathing remains abnormal. Seek urgent help for a first seizure, pregnancy, severe illness, fever with stiff neck, or suspected low blood glucose. A first event should be assessed even if it stops. Possible underlying conditions include Alcohol Use Disorder, Hypoglycaemia, and Meningitis.

Ask what type of seizure is suspected, what tests may clarify the cause, how to prevent injury, and whether you need a rescue plan. Discuss driving, bathing, swimming, work, medicines, sleep, alcohol, and what witnesses should do.