What should you know about motor seizure?

A motor seizure causes involuntary movement because abnormal electrical activity temporarily disrupts brain function. Movements may include stiffening, rhythmic jerking, repeated twitching, facial movements or unusual posturing. Awareness can be preserved, reduced or lost, depending on which brain areas are involved.

A person may suddenly stop responding, stare, turn their head or eyes, or make repeated movements with one limb or one side of the body. Afterward, they may be tired, confused, have a headache or remember little of the event. A seizure can have several causes, including a low blood sugar level, alcohol withdrawal, infection or a previous brain injury. A motor seizure does not by itself identify the cause.

Move nearby hard or sharp objects away, cushion the head and loosen tight clothing around the neck. Time the movements and stay with the person. Do not restrain them, put anything in their mouth, or give food, drink or medicine until they are fully alert. When the movements stop, place them on their side and check that they are breathing normally.

Call emergency services if the seizure lasts longer than expected, repeats without recovery, causes a serious injury, happens in water, or the person has trouble breathing afterward. Urgent assessment is also needed for a first seizure, pregnancy, diabetes, a high fever, severe headache, stiff neck or new weakness. Meningitis, Hypoglycaemia and Alcohol Use Disorder can be relevant conditions for a clinician to consider.

Ask what type of seizure was suspected, whether testing is needed, how to reduce injury risk and when normal activities can resume. Bring a description or video if it was recorded safely, plus the episode duration, recovery pattern, medicines, alcohol use and any recent illness.