What should you know about heart seizure?

A person may become unresponsive, stare blankly, stiffen, jerk, lose awareness or behave unusually. Some seizures are subtle and involve altered sensation or a short period of confusion. Possible triggers and causes include low blood sugar, alcohol withdrawal, infection affecting the brain such as meningitis, head injury, stroke or an established seizure disorder. A fast or irregular pulse may accompany the event, but checking the pulse cannot determine whether the episode is a seizure. Fainting can sometimes include brief jerking, so a clinical assessment is useful after an unexplained collapse.

Clear nearby objects, cushion the head and loosen clothing around the neck. Turn the person onto their side when the movements stop or if possible without forcing them. Time the episode and stay with them. Do not restrain them, place anything in their mouth, or give food, drink or medicine until they are fully alert. Reassure them as they recover and note what you observed for the clinician.

Call emergency services if the seizure lasts longer than expected, repeats without recovery, is a first known seizure, causes breathing difficulty or serious injury, occurs in water, or affects someone who is pregnant or has diabetes. Seek urgent help for fever with stiff neck, severe headache, persistent confusion or suspected meningitis. If breathing is absent or abnormal after movements stop, begin emergency resuscitation guidance.

Ask whether the episode needs brain or heart testing, which triggers to avoid, how to use any prescribed rescue medicine, and when driving or other safety-sensitive activities can resume. A witness description or video can help when obtained safely.