Logan Reid
Seizures are abnormal electrical activity in the brain, causing changes in awareness, muscle control, behaviour, and senses. They can affect anyone and can be caused by underlying medical conditions, injuries, illnesses, or even changes in blood sugar levels. While seizures are common, affecting 1 in 10 people, they can be scary to witness. It is important to know when to seek medical attention, especially if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, is followed by another seizure, or if the person experiences breathing difficulties, persistent confusion, or remains unconscious. If you experience a seizure, it is important to inform your primary care physician to determine the need for further evaluation and treatment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First-time seizure | Seek medical attention |
| Seizure lasting longer than 5 minutes | Seek medical attention |
| Person has another seizure soon after the first one | Seek medical attention |
| Person has trouble breathing or wakes up after the seizure | Seek medical attention |
| Person has diabetes and loses consciousness | Seek medical attention |
| Person is pregnant | Seek medical attention |
| Person is injured or has a fever | Seek medical attention |
| Person experiences persistent confusion | Seek medical attention |
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What You'll Learn
First-time seizures
Seizures are sudden involuntary alterations in behaviour or consciousness resulting from excessive electrical activity in the brain. They can look different for each person who has one. Focal seizures occur when abnormal electrical brain function occurs in one or more areas of one side of the brain. A seizure in the area of the brain that controls emotion and memory function (temporal lobe) may cause unusual behaviour such as gagging, lip-smacking, running, screaming, crying, or laughing. A person experiencing a focal seizure may remain conscious but lose awareness of their surroundings. Generalised seizures occur in both sides of the brain, and the person experiencing it will lose consciousness. Atonic seizures cause a sudden loss of muscle tone, and the person may fall from a standing position or suddenly drop their head.
If you are experiencing a seizure for the first time, you should go to the emergency room or call an ambulance. If you are alone and think you are having a seizure for the first time, call a healthcare provider right away. If you have had a seizure in the past, watch out for signs of another one. If you experience a second seizure, see a healthcare provider as soon as possible. Seizures cause changes in your brain that make it easier to have more seizures, so early diagnosis and treatment are key.
If you are with someone who is experiencing a seizure for the first time, time the seizure to see if it lasts more than five minutes. If it does, call 911 or your local emergency number. If the person has another seizure soon after the first one, has trouble breathing, or has been injured during the seizure, call an ambulance. If the person is pregnant, has diabetes, or appears to have a life-threatening condition, seek immediate medical attention.
After a first seizure, it can take a while to find out what caused it. Having one seizure does not necessarily mean that a person has epilepsy. Usually, epilepsy is diagnosed after two or more seizures. If you went to the hospital during your seizure, they may have done some tests to determine the cause. At your first appointment with a specialist, they will want to know as much as possible about what happened before, during, and after your seizure. If you do not remember what happened, it can be helpful to have a description from someone who witnessed the seizure. The specialist may refer you for further tests, usually an MRI scan and an electroencephalogram (EEG).
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Seizures and consciousness
Seizures are abnormal electrical activity in the brain, which causes changes in awareness and muscle control, as well as symptoms that affect behaviour and the senses. They can look different for each person and can range from staring into space to violent shaking and loss of consciousness.
Seizures are common, with about 1 in 10 people experiencing one at some point in their lives. They can be caused by epilepsy, head injuries, brain tumours, lead poisoning, inadequate brain development, genetic deficiencies, infectious diseases, fevers, alcohol abuse, Alzheimer's, lupus, kidney failure, stroke, and other illnesses. In about 50% of cases, no cause is identified.
If someone is having a seizure, it is important to keep them safe and comfortable and to prevent injury. This includes easing them to the ground if they are falling, turning them on their side with their mouth pointing down, clearing the space around them, and putting something soft under their head. It is also important to loosen anything around their neck that could block breathing and to take off their glasses. Do not hold them down, put anything in their mouth, or offer them food or water until they are fully alert.
While most seizures do not require urgent medical attention, it is necessary to call 911 or another emergency number if the seizure lasts five minutes or longer, if there is more than one seizure in quick succession, if the person has difficulty breathing, is injured, has a fever, remains unconscious, or has persistent confusion. It is also important to seek medical attention if this is the person's first seizure, or if they have diabetes, are pregnant, or have another life-threatening condition.
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Seizure triggers
Seizures are caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain, which affects behaviour, senses, awareness, and muscle control. They can look different for each person and can vary in frequency, from one in a lifetime to multiple seizures per day.
While seizures are unpredictable, and in about 50% of cases, no cause can be identified, there are some common seizure triggers that can be avoided. Keeping track of any factors that may come before a seizure can help you recognise when one may be imminent and take steps to lessen the likelihood of it occurring.
Some common seizure triggers include:
- Stress
- Illness or injury
- Alcohol abuse
- Alzheimer's Disease
- Lupus
- Kidney failure
- Stroke
- Changes in blood sugar levels
- Dehydration
- Low levels of vitamins and minerals
- Excess caffeine
- Flashing lights (photosensitive epilepsy)
- Reading (reflex epilepsy)
- Noises (reflex epilepsy)
If you experience a seizure for the first time, you should go to the emergency room or see a healthcare provider right away. If you have had a seizure before, it is important to watch for signs of another and seek medical advice as soon as possible.
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Seizure first aid
Seizures are common, with about 1 in 10 people experiencing one in their lifetime. They are caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain, resulting in changes in awareness, muscle control, behaviour, and senses. While seizures can affect anyone at any age, they are more common in people with epilepsy.
If you see someone having a seizure, here are some first aid steps you can take to help:
Stay calm and keep others calm: Speak in a calm and reassuring tone to the person having the seizure, as this can aid their recovery.
Check for a medical ID: Look for a medical bracelet or necklace that provides information about any medical conditions, medications, and emergency contacts.
Time the seizure: Use your watch or phone to time the seizure from the beginning to the end of the active phase. If the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, call emergency services.
Clear the space and ease them to the ground: If the person is standing or in a hazardous area, guide them gently to the ground and away from objects that could cause injury.
Position them on their side: Once the seizure ends, carefully turn the person onto their side with their mouth pointing downwards to prevent fluid buildup and maintain a clear airway.
Cushion their head and remove glasses: Place something soft and flat, like a jacket or blanket, under their head to protect it from injury. Remove their eyeglasses if they are wearing any.
Loosen tight clothing: Remove or loosen anything around their neck or mouth that could restrict breathing, such as a tie or scarf.
Do not hold them down or restrain their movements: Avoid restraining the person or trying to stop their movements, as this could cause injury to both of you.
Do not put anything in their mouth: Do not place any objects, including your fingers, in the person's mouth during a seizure. This could hurt their teeth or jaw.
Do not give mouth-to-mouth breaths: People usually start breathing on their own after a seizure. Do not attempt mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, as it is unnecessary and could cause choking.
Do not offer food or water until they are fully alert: Offering food or water is not necessary and may lead to choking. Wait until the person is fully conscious and alert before offering anything.
Offer reassurance: The person may feel disoriented or confused after the seizure. Provide comfort and explain what happened. Offer to call a friend or loved one to help them get home safely.
It is important to recognize the signs of a seizure and know when to seek medical attention. While most seizures are not a medical emergency, call emergency services if:
- The seizure lasts more than 5 minutes.
- The person has repeated seizures.
- The person has difficulty breathing or wakes up confused after the seizure.
- The person is injured during the seizure.
- The person is pregnant, has diabetes, or has a fever.
- This is the person's first seizure.
- The seizure is significantly different from previous seizures in type or duration.
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Seeking medical attention
Seizures are abnormal electrical activity in the brain, causing changes in awareness, muscle control, behaviour, and senses. They can affect anyone at any age and have a variety of causes, from underlying medical conditions to injuries or illnesses. While seizures are common, affecting about 1 in 10 people, they usually do not require urgent medical attention. However, it is important to seek medical attention in certain situations to ensure safety and receive proper care.
If you experience a seizure for the first time or have a history of seizures with new or different symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical attention. This includes visiting your primary care physician or a neurologist, who can refer you to a specialist if needed. They will evaluate your medical history, conduct examinations, and use diagnostic tools to determine the cause and appropriate treatment. The risk of having another seizure within two years of the first one is significant, ranging from 21% to 45%early diagnosis and treatment are essential to manage the condition effectively.
In the event of a seizure, it is important to observe and record the person's movements, head and eye movements, and the time it takes to regain full consciousness. This information can be reported to a medical professional to help with diagnosis and treatment. If the seizure lasts five minutes or longer, is repeated soon after the first one, or if the person experiences difficulty breathing, persistent confusion, or unconsciousness, it is crucial to call 911 or the local emergency number immediately.
Additionally, if the person is pregnant, diabetic, injured, or has a fever, it is advised to seek immediate medical attention. These factors can influence the severity and impact of the seizure and require prompt medical intervention. It is also important to note that people with epilepsy may have a care plan agreed upon with their doctors and caregivers, which should be followed during a seizure. This may include administering emergency medicine or following specific procedures to ensure the person's safety and well-being.
While most seizures do not require urgent medical attention, it is always better to be cautious and seek medical advice, especially if you have concerns or if the seizure is prolonged or accompanied by other concerning symptoms.
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Frequently asked questions
Most seizures do not require urgent medical attention. However, it is important to ensure that the person is safe, comfortable, and will not get injured during the seizure. You can do this by helping them move into a safe position on the floor or a chair, loosening any tight clothing around their neck or that might restrict breathing, and timing the seizure. If the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, seek immediate medical attention or call an emergency number.
If you experience a seizure, it is important to tell your primary care physician. They can help you determine if you need to see a neurologist and give you a referral if necessary. If you have had your first seizure, it is recommended to go to the emergency room. If you have had a seizure before and experience another one soon after, it is important to see a healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Seizures can look different for each person. Some people may stare into space, while others may shake, jerk, or twitch. Some people may also fall down if they lose muscle tone or consciousness. Seizures are caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain, which can result from various factors such as blood sugar levels, illness, injury, or underlying conditions.
Do not try to hold the person down or stop their movements as this could injure both of you. Do not put anything in their mouth, including your fingers, as it can hurt their teeth or jaw. Do not give mouth-to-mouth breaths during the seizure, and do not offer food or water until they are fully alert.
