Seizure

Overview

A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled burst of electrical activity in the brain. It can change how you move, feel, or act for a short time. Some people shake or jerk, while others stare blankly or seem confused. One seizure does not always mean you have epilepsy.

About 1 in 10 people will have a seizure at some point in their life, making it a fairly common neurological event.

Seizures can happen at any age, but they are more common in young children and older adults.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Staring or a blank look
• Jerking or shaking movements of the arms and legs
• Loss of awareness or unresponsiveness
• Confusion after the event
• Strange feelings like a sudden fear, a funny taste, or a smell that isn’t there
• Falling to the ground

Symptoms in children

• Brief staring spells (absence seizures)
• Febrile seizures caused by high fever
• Sudden stiffening or jerking
• Lip smacking or chewing motions

Symptoms in older adults

• Confusion or memory lapses that come and go
• Subtle changes in awareness
• Unexplained falls or dizziness
• Staring or repetitive movements

Causes

Main causes

• Epilepsy (a condition where the brain is prone to recurrent seizures)
• High fever, especially in young children (febrile seizure)
• Head injury or concussion
• Stroke
• Brain infections such as meningitis
• Very low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia)
• Alcohol or drug withdrawal
• Severe lack of sleep
• Flashing or flickering lights in some people (photosensitive epilepsy)

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• First seizure ever
• Seizure lasting more than 5 minutes
• Not waking up properly after a seizure
• Breathing problems during or after the seizure
• Injury from a fall or jerking
• Multiple seizures without full recovery in between

Book a routine appointment if:

• You have diagnosed epilepsy and notice a change in how often or how seizures happen
• You experience side effects from your medication
• You feel more anxious or depressed about your condition
• You want to discuss pregnancy or family planning

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask about what happened before, during, and after the event. Detailed descriptions from someone who saw the seizure are very helpful. The doctor will also check your general health and nervous system.

Tests that may be done

• Blood tests to look for triggers like infection or low sugar
• Electroencephalogram (EEG) – a safe test that measures the brain’s electrical activity using small sensors on your scalp
• Brain imaging (MRI or CT scan) to look for any structural change or injury in the brain

What to expect at your appointment

You may be referred to a specialist called a neurologist. The EEG is painless and usually lasts 20–60 minutes. You might be asked to sleep a little less the night before to help the test. Waiting for results can feel stressful, but these steps help find the best care for you.

Treatment

Treatment focuses on stopping or reducing seizures and making sure you stay safe. The approach depends on whether you have a one-off provoked seizure or a condition like epilepsy that makes seizures more likely.

Self-care at home

• Take any prescribed medication exactly as directed – never suddenly stop
• Keep a regular sleep schedule
• Manage stress with relaxation or gentle activity
• Identify and avoid your triggers (e.g., flashing lights, alcohol, skipping meals)
• Wear a medical ID bracelet or carry information about your condition

Medical treatments

Doctors may prescribe long-term antiseizure medications to lower the chance of future seizures. There are many different medicines; the choice depends on the seizure type, your age, and your overall health. It can take time to find the one that works best with the fewest side effects. Your doctor will review you regularly to adjust treatment if needed.

When is surgery considered?

If seizures resist medication and start from a small, well-defined area of the brain that can be safely removed, surgery may be an option. This is decided after many detailed tests and is only suitable for certain people.

Living with this condition

Many people with seizures live full, independent lives. It helps to plan ahead: tell trusted friends, family, and coworkers what to do if a seizure happens. Keep a seizure diary to track triggers and patterns.

Lifestyle tips

• Stick to a consistent sleep routine – tiredness is a common trigger
• Avoid heavy alcohol use and recreational drugs
• Be careful with activities like swimming, cycling, or cooking alone if seizures could put you at risk
• Follow your country’s driving rules – you may need to be seizure-free for a period before driving

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet and regular physical activity support overall brain health. In some children with difficult-to-control epilepsy, a special diet called the ketogenic diet may help, but this must be guided by a specialist team.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with seizures can be challenging. You may feel anxious, low, or isolated. This is common and nothing to be ashamed of. Talk to your doctor about how you feel; counseling or support groups can help.

Prevention

Not all seizures can be prevented, especially those linked to epilepsy. However, you can lower the risk of provoked seizures by protecting your head (wear helmets, seatbelts), controlling chronic conditions like diabetes, getting enough sleep, and avoiding known triggers.

Vaccines

Some infections that can lead to seizures, such as meningitis and measles, are preventable through routine vaccination. Staying up to date with vaccines can reduce this risk.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for seizures. If you have a strong family history of epilepsy or other risk factors, discuss any concerns with your doctor.

Complications

If left untreated

• Risk of injury from falls or accidents during a seizure
• Memory or thinking problems over time if seizures are frequent
• Status epilepticus – a life-threatening condition where a seizure does not stop or one seizure follows another without recovery
• Worsening anxiety or depression

Long-term outlook

The outlook varies depending on the cause, but appropriate treatment and lifestyle adjustments allow most people to gain good control. Many become seizure-free with the right care. Ongoing support and new therapies offer real hope.

Find support

International organisations

• International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) ↗

Local organisations

• Epilepsy Action ↗ · United Kingdom
• Epilepsy Society ↗ · United Kingdom

Helplines

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