Heat seizure: what to know

A seizure can cause stiffening, jerking, loss of awareness, staring, or unusual movements. Heat may contribute through dangerous overheating or fluid and salt disturbance, but the event should not automatically be labelled a heat seizure. Other causes include low blood glucose, withdrawal from alcohol, infection affecting the brain, or an existing seizure disorder. [Hypoglycaemia](/conditions/hypoglycaemia/) and [Meningitis](/conditions/meningitis/) need urgent consideration when their symptoms fit.

Call emergency services. Move nearby hard or hot objects away, protect the head with something soft, and time the seizure. Do not restrain the person, put anything in their mouth, or give food, drink, or medicine while they are unresponsive. Once the jerking stops, place them on their side if they are breathing and stay with them. Cool the surroundings and remove excess clothing, while keeping the airway clear.

Emergency help is needed for any first seizure, a seizure that continues, repeated seizures without recovery, breathing difficulty, injury, pregnancy, diabetes, or severe heat exposure. Confusion, collapse, a severe headache, stiff neck, rash, or persistent drowsiness after the event also require urgent assessment. Do not drive the person yourself if they remain confused or unstable.

Ask what tests are needed to check glucose, salts, infection, overheating, and medication or substance effects. Record what happened before the seizure, how long it lasted, movements you saw, recovery time, recent illness, alcohol changes, and any previous episodes.