Reflex Seizure: What You Should Know

Possible triggers include flashing light, visual patterns, reading, sounds, touch or movement. The response may include staring, loss of awareness, stiffening, rhythmic jerking or unusual behaviour. A single event does not establish epilepsy, and a trigger may be coincidental. A clinician will consider the event itself, recovery, previous episodes, medicines, sleep and other health factors.

Keep the person away from traffic, heat, water and sharp objects. Cushion the head, loosen tight clothing around the neck and turn them on their side once practical. Time the seizure and stay nearby while awareness returns. Do not restrain them, give food or drink during the episode, or put anything in their mouth. Note the suspected trigger for the medical assessment.

Emergency help is needed for a first seizure, an unusually prolonged seizure, repeated seizures without recovery, serious injury, breathing difficulty or a seizure in water. Fever with a stiff neck, severe illness, suspected low blood sugar or alcohol withdrawal also needs urgent care. Call emergency services when you are unsure how serious the episode is.

Ask whether the episode could be reflex epilepsy, whether testing or specialist review is needed, how to reduce suspected triggers and what seizure first aid your household should follow. Discuss driving and other activities where sudden loss of awareness could cause harm.