What should you know about jacksonian march seizure?

The episode may begin with twitching, tingling or unusual sensations in a hand, face or foot, then move along the same side of the body. A person may be able to speak and remember the event, although awareness can change. A spreading seizure pattern needs medical assessment because possible triggers include low blood glucose, alcohol withdrawal, infection or a problem affecting the brain. Meningitis is one serious illness that can involve seizures, particularly with fever, headache, neck stiffness or confusion.

Keep the area clear, protect the person from nearby hazards and note when the movements start and stop. Do not restrain them, put anything in their mouth, or give food, drink or tablets until they are fully alert. If they become unresponsive, place them on their side after the movements stop and check their breathing. Record which body part moved first and how the pattern changed; this can help the clinician.

Call emergency services for a first seizure, an episode lasting longer than expected, repeated seizures without recovery, injury, breathing difficulty, pregnancy, or severe confusion afterwards. Urgent help is also needed with fever, stiff neck, severe headache, new weakness or suspected hypoglycaemia. Do not drive the person yourself if they remain confused or have ongoing seizure activity.

Ask whether brain imaging, an electrical brain test or blood tests are needed, how to make the surroundings safer, what a written seizure plan should contain, and which symptoms should trigger emergency action.