Why does hypoglycaemia cause seizure?

The brain relies heavily on a continuing supply of glucose. If the level falls far enough, thinking and coordination can become impaired, followed by confusion, unusual behaviour, loss of consciousness or a seizure. Seizure is a common presentation of Hypoglycaemia. A seizure can have other causes as well, including epilepsy, fever, head injury, stroke, infection or substance-related effects, so it needs medical assessment. Some people notice earlier warnings such as sweating, trembling, hunger, blurred vision or difficulty speaking, but a person may not recognise these signs before becoming too unwell to act.

Treat a seizure as an emergency. Keep the person away from hazards, cushion their head if possible, and place them on their side when this can be done safely. Do not restrain them and do not put food, drink or objects in their mouth. If they have prescribed glucagon, a trained person should use it exactly as their care plan instructs. If the person becomes fully awake and can swallow safely, follow their low-glucose plan. Stay with them until emergency help takes over or they have been assessed.

Call emergency services immediately for any seizure, unconsciousness, breathing difficulty, injury during the episode, or failure to regain normal awareness. Emergency help is also needed when a person with suspected low glucose cannot swallow or does not respond to prescribed rescue treatment. After recovery, prompt clinical review is important to identify why the episode occurred and to update prevention and rescue plans. Do not leave someone alone after a seizure.

Ask who should be trained to use your rescue medicine, where it should be kept, and when emergency services should be called. Discuss early warning signs, medicine doses around meals and activity, and how to reduce the chance of another severe episode.