seizure overview for patients

Overview

A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled burst of electrical activity in the brain that can temporarily change how you feel, move, or behave. It can look like staring blankly, jerking movements, or losing awareness.

Seizures are fairly common. About one in ten people will have at least one seizure at some point in their life.

Seizures can happen to anyone, at any age. They are more commonly seen in young children and older adults, but they can begin at any time.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Staring blankly or a brief loss of awareness
• Uncontrollable jerking or twitching of the arms and legs
• Confusion or feeling dazed after the episode
• Stiffening of the body or sudden loss of muscle tone
• Unusual sensations such as tingling, flashing lights, or a strange smell

Symptoms in children

• Staring spells that look like daydreaming
• Brief breaks in attention or not responding
• Sudden jerking movements of the arms or legs
• Stiffening of the body, often with eyes rolling back
• Breathing problems or skin turning blue around the lips

Symptoms in older adults

• Confusion or memory lapses that may be mistaken for dementia
• Staring spells or blank episodes
• Falls without a clear reason
• Drowsiness or unresponsiveness after an episode
• Sudden changes in behavior or alertness

Causes

Main causes

• Epilepsy — a brain condition that causes repeated seizures
• High fever, especially in children
• Head injury
• Brain infection such as meningitis or encephalitis
• Low blood sugar, low sodium, or other chemical imbalances
• Alcohol withdrawal or use of illegal drugs
• Stroke or brain injury in older adults
• Brain tumor

Risk factors

• Being very young or very old
• Family history of epilepsy
• Previous head injury
• Brain infection in the past
• Lack of sleep or severe stress
• Heavy alcohol use or sudden stopping of alcohol

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have a seizure for the first time, see a doctor as soon as possible to find out why.
• If seizures become more frequent, last longer, or feel different from usual, seek care promptly.
• If you injured yourself during a seizure, even mildly, get checked.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have been diagnosed with a seizure disorder and want to discuss your care plan, book a regular appointment.
• If you are planning to drive, return to work, or start a family, talk to your doctor.
• If you have questions about your medicines — but never change or stop them without medical advice.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask for a detailed description of what happened, review your medical history, and may run tests to look for a cause. You may be referred to a neurologist, a doctor who specializes in brain and nerve conditions.

Tests that may be done

• Neurological exam to check movement, reflexes, and senses
• Blood tests to look for infections or chemical imbalances
• Electroencephalogram (EEG) — a painless test that records the brain's electrical activity
• MRI or CT scan — imaging tests to look for structural problems in the brain

What to expect at your appointment

Your doctor may ask you or someone who witnessed the seizure to describe what happened. Be prepared to talk about how you felt before, during, and after. The tests may not show anything abnormal, but that does not rule out a seizure disorder.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and type of seizure. For a one-time seizure caused by a clear trigger, such as high fever or lack of sleep, you may not need long-term treatment. If seizures keep happening, a care plan can help reduce their impact.

Self-care at home

• During a seizure, keep the person safe: move sharp objects away, cushion the head, and never hold the person down.
• Track your seizures and any possible triggers in a diary.
• Get enough sleep, eat regular meals, and find healthy ways to manage stress.
• Do not drive after a seizure until your doctor says it is safe.

Medical treatments

Doctors may prescribe anti-seizure medications to lower the chance of future seizures, but only after a careful assessment. These medicines are adjusted to the individual. In some cases, a special diet called the ketogenic diet may be recommended — always under medical supervision. Take any prescribed treatment exactly as directed and talk to your doctor about concerns.

When is surgery considered?

If medicine does not stop seizures, surgery may be an option for some people when a single, safe-to-remove area of the brain is causing the seizures. Your neurologist will explain if this is possible for you.

Living with this condition

With the right care and safety habits, most people with seizures can live active and independent lives. Learn your warning signs, follow your treatment plan, and take sensible precautions.

Lifestyle tips

• Wear a medical alert bracelet so others know what to do.
• Tell close friends, family, and coworkers about your condition.
• Avoid dangerous situations, such as swimming alone or climbing ladders.
• Keep a seizure diary to spot patterns and triggers.

Diet and exercise

Regular physical activity and a balanced diet are generally good for your overall health. Eating regular meals may help prevent seizures triggered by low blood sugar. If you exercise, stay hydrated and avoid extreme heat or exhaustion.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with seizures can feel stressful and may affect your confidence or mood. It is normal to feel anxious, frustrated, or down at times. Talk to your doctor if you need emotional support. If you ever have thoughts of harming yourself, contact mental health crisis support right away.

Prevention

You cannot always prevent seizures, especially those caused by epilepsy or a brain condition. But you can reduce your risk by protecting your head, getting enough sleep, managing stress, limiting alcohol, and following your doctor's advice.

Vaccines

Some infections that can lead to seizures, such as meningitis, are preventable with vaccines. Make sure you and your children are up to date with recommended vaccinations.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for seizures in the general population. Regular check-ups with your doctor help monitor your condition and adjust your care as needed.

Complications

If left untreated

• Injuries from falls or accidents during a seizure
• Status epilepticus — a seizure lasting more than 5 minutes, which is a medical emergency
• Repeated seizures can affect memory, learning, or quality of life
• In rare cases, sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) can occur in people with poorly controlled seizures

Long-term outlook

With proper treatment and lifestyle adjustments, many people achieve good seizure control. Even if seizures continue, most people can live satisfying, safe lives with the right medical care and support.

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