Loss of consciousness and seizure

A seizure is a sudden burst of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. It may cause a person to stare, become unresponsive, stiffen, jerk, lose bladder control, bite the tongue, or behave unusually. Drowsiness and confusion can follow. Fainting can also cause a brief loss of awareness and occasional movements, so the trigger, body position, colour, duration, and recovery help clinicians tell episodes apart. Low blood sugar, alcohol withdrawal, and meningitis can be associated with seizures or seizure-like emergencies.

Clear nearby objects, cushion the head, loosen clothing around the neck, and time the episode. Do not restrain the person, put anything in their mouth, or give food, drink, or medicine until they are fully awake. When movements stop, turn them onto their side and stay with them while checking breathing. If safe, note the movements and what happened before and after.

Get emergency help if this is a first seizure, it lasts longer than expected, another seizure follows without recovery, breathing is difficult, the person is injured, the seizure occurs in water, or the person is pregnant or has diabetes. Fever with a stiff neck, severe headache, confusion, or a new rash also needs urgent assessment.

Ask what tests may be needed, whether medicines, alcohol, sleep loss, infection, or glucose could have contributed, and what precautions apply until review. Share witness notes, video if safely obtained, injuries, tongue biting, and the recovery pattern.