Seizure after falling down: what to know

Witnesses should try to establish whether awareness was lost before the fall or only afterwards. A seizure can make someone suddenly collapse, while a blow to the head can produce abnormal movements, confusion, or loss of consciousness. Fainting, a trip, low blood sugar, alcohol withdrawal, and infection are other possibilities. The event cannot be classified safely from the fall alone.

Check for head, neck, and back pain, bleeding, vomiting, unequal pupils, new weakness, and changes in speech or behaviour. Alcohol Use Disorder, Hypoglycaemia, and Meningitis are examples of conditions that may be relevant when other symptoms are present, but links to a condition do not establish its cause.

Do not move the person unless there is immediate danger, and do not straighten a possibly injured neck. Protect the head from further impact, clear objects around them, and time any movements. Once movements stop, check breathing and place the person on their side if this can be done without worsening a suspected spinal injury. Do not give food, drink, or tablets until they are fully awake. Keep any medication packaging and note what witnesses saw.

Call emergency services after a seizure with a head injury, neck or back pain, heavy bleeding, breathing difficulty, repeated vomiting, worsening headache, or increasing drowsiness. Emergency care is also needed when the seizure continues, repeats before recovery, occurs in water, or the person cannot be woken normally. Do not leave the person alone while waiting.

Ask whether imaging, neurological checks, heart checks, or blood tests are needed. Explain the fall height, surface, witness account, warning symptoms, recovery, medicines, alcohol exposure, and previous events. Confirm wound care, activity limits, and signs of delayed head injury.