What should you know about transient seizure?

Some seizures cause rhythmic jerking or stiffening; others cause staring, unusual sensations, confusion, memory gaps or repetitive movements. A person may recover quickly but remain tired or confused afterwards. A first seizure needs medical assessment because possible triggers include low blood sugar, alcohol withdrawal, infection, head injury or a neurological condition. The appearance and duration of an episode do not by themselves establish its cause.

Protect the person from nearby hazards, cushion their head and loosen tight clothing around the neck. Do not restrain them, put anything in their mouth or give food and drink until they are fully alert. Turn them onto their side after the movements stop and stay with them. Record the start and end time, what happened before the episode and how recovery looked, if this can be done safely.

Call emergency services if the seizure lasts longer than five minutes, repeats without recovery, causes serious injury, happens in water, affects breathing or occurs during pregnancy. Urgent assessment is also needed for a first seizure, persistent confusion, fever with a stiff neck, severe headache or suspected low blood sugar. Do not drive until a clinician has advised you about safety.

Ask what might have triggered the event, whether tests or specialist review are needed, how to respond if it happens again and when driving or other activities can safely resume.