What to know about a seizure

A seizure may cause stiffening, rhythmic jerking, staring, unusual movements, altered awareness, or a brief loss of responsiveness. Some people feel confused, sleepy, weak, or have a headache afterward. Causes include epilepsy, low blood sugar, alcohol withdrawal, infection, head injury, or other brain and body conditions. A first seizure needs medical assessment even if the person seems well afterward; it does not by itself establish epilepsy.

Move nearby hard or sharp objects away, cushion the head, loosen tight clothing around the neck, and note the start time. If possible, turn the person onto their side after jerking stops and stay with them until awareness returns. Do not restrain them, put anything in their mouth, give food or drink during the event, or attempt mouth-to-mouth breathing while they are jerking. Afterward, speak calmly and explain what you saw.

Call emergency services if the seizure continues for several minutes, another seizure begins before recovery, the person has trouble breathing, is seriously injured, is pregnant, or the event happened in water. Get urgent help for a first seizure, a seizure with fever and severe headache or neck stiffness, or a person with diabetes or suspected low blood sugar. Do not leave the person alone while waiting.

What might have triggered this event? Do I need blood tests, brain imaging, or specialist review? What should family members record if it happens again? Are driving, work, or swimming precautions needed?