What should you know about generalized tonic clonic seizure?

The person may suddenly become unresponsive, fall, and stiffen before rhythmic movements begin. Breathing may look unusual for a short time, and saliva or loss of bladder control can occur. Afterwards, the person may be sleepy, confused, sore, or have a headache. A seizure can have many triggers or causes, including low blood glucose, alcohol withdrawal, infection such as Meningitis, head injury, or epilepsy. One seizure does not by itself establish epilepsy, and the cause needs medical assessment.

Stay with the person and time the seizure. Move hard or sharp objects away, cushion the head, loosen tight clothing around the neck, and turn the person onto their side when practical. Do not restrain the movements, put anything in the mouth, give food or drink, or attempt mouth-to-mouth breathing during the jerking. Afterward, reassure them and remain nearby until awareness returns. If they have diabetes, take advice about Hypoglycaemia once they are fully awake and able to swallow; never put sugar or tablets into an unresponsive mouth.

Call emergency services if this is a first known seizure, the seizure lasts five minutes or longer, another seizure follows without recovery, breathing does not return normally, or the person is injured, pregnant, or has diabetes. Emergency help is also needed if the seizure occurs in water or the person remains unresponsive. Do not drive the person yourself if they are still seizing or having breathing problems.

What might have triggered this seizure? Do I need blood tests, brain imaging, or an EEG? What is my personalised emergency plan, and should someone close to me learn rescue medicine or seizure first aid?