Seizure without loss of consciousness: what to know

The person may respond slowly, pause mid-sentence, feel a rising sensation in the stomach, notice an odd smell or taste, or experience tingling in one area. They may remember part of the event, although memory can be incomplete. A seizure is a sudden burst of abnormal electrical activity in the brain; the outward signs depend on the area involved. Low blood sugar, alcohol withdrawal and infections affecting the brain are among the problems a clinician may consider, including Hypoglycaemia, Alcohol Use Disorder and Meningitis.

Stay with the person, move sharp or hot objects away, and speak calmly. Do not restrain them, put anything in their mouth, or offer food, drink or tablets until they are fully alert. Note the start and end time, what the eyes, speech and movements did, and whether recovery was gradual. If safe, a witness can record a short video for the clinician. Arrange medical assessment after a first suspected seizure or any change from the person’s usual pattern.

Call emergency services if the event continues, repeats without recovery, causes an injury, happens in water, or the person has trouble breathing afterwards. Seek urgent assessment for a first seizure, pregnancy, diabetes, a recent head injury, severe headache, stiff neck, fever, or new weakness. Do not drive the person yourself if they remain confused or unsafe to travel.

Ask whether the episode fits a focal seizure, which tests may clarify the cause, whether medicines or sleep changes matter, and what restrictions apply until the assessment is complete.