What should you know about first seizure?

A first seizure needs urgent medical assessment, even when the person appears fully recovered afterward. During the event, protect the person from injury, cushion the head, clear nearby objects, and time the movements. Do not restrain them, put anything in the mouth, or give food or drink until they are alert.

A seizure is a burst of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. One event does not by itself establish epilepsy. Clinicians may consider sleep loss, medicines, alcohol withdrawal, low blood sugar, infection, head injury, or a brain condition. Symptoms such as a bitten tongue, loss of bladder control, stiffening, rhythmic jerking, or confusion afterward can help describe what happened, but fainting and other events can look similar.

When the movements stop, turn the person onto their side if they are breathing and stay with them until awareness returns. Note the start and finish, what the body did, breathing or colour changes, and possible triggers. A witness account or safe video can help the clinician. Do not let the person drive, swim alone, climb, or operate machinery until medically advised.

Call emergency services if the seizure lasts more than five minutes, repeats without recovery, causes serious injury, occurs in water, or breathing does not return normally. Seek immediate help for a first event with pregnancy, diabetes, fever, severe headache, stiff neck, new weakness, or persistent confusion. A possible infection such as meningitis, low blood sugar, or alcohol withdrawal requires prompt treatment.

Ask what tests are appropriate, whether a specialist review is needed, when normal activities can resume, and which warning signs mean you should return urgently. Discuss medicines, alcohol, sleep, recent illness, and family history so the assessment includes possible triggers.