What should you know about frank seizure?

A seizure can begin with a sudden change in awareness, sensation, movement, or behaviour. Some people become unresponsive, fall, stiffen, and jerk; others stare, wander, repeat a movement, or experience unusual smells or sensations without dramatic shaking. Afterward, confusion, sleepiness, headache, muscle soreness, or patchy memory may occur. A seizure is a sign rather than a complete diagnosis. Possible triggers or causes include low blood sugar, alcohol withdrawal, infection such as Meningitis, head injury, medication effects, or epilepsy, so an assessment is needed even when the episode stops.

Keep the person away from traffic, water, stairs, and sharp objects. Cushion the head, loosen tight clothing around the neck, and note when the episode starts. Do not restrain the movements, put anything in the mouth, or give food, drink, or tablets until full alertness returns. When the movements stop, place the person on their side and stay with them while breathing and awareness recover. If diabetes is known, mention it to emergency responders; do not put sugar or liquid into an unconscious person’s mouth.

Call emergency services if the seizure lasts longer than expected, repeats without recovery, causes serious injury, happens in water, affects breathing, occurs during pregnancy, or is a first known seizure. Get urgent help for continuing confusion, weakness on one side, severe headache, fever with a stiff neck, or suspected Hypoglycaemia. Alcohol withdrawal can also cause seizures and requires prompt medical care; do not assume the episode is harmless because it has ended.

Ask what observations or tests may clarify the cause, whether medicines or alcohol could be relevant, how to reduce immediate risks, and what to do if another episode occurs.