screening for seizure

Overview

A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain. Screening for seizures means checking whether someone is having seizures or is at risk for them. It usually happens after a first possible seizure or when a person has symptoms that might point to one. The goal is to find the cause and decide if any treatment is needed.

Yes, seizures are fairly common. About 1 in 100 people will have a seizure at some point in their life. They are one of the most common reasons for seeing a brain and nerves specialist (neurologist).

Seizures can happen at any age, from babies to older adults. They are slightly more common in early childhood and again in people over 60. Some people are more likely to have seizures because of genetics or a past brain injury.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Temporary confusion or a feeling of being 'spaced out'
• Staring without responding to people or surroundings
• Uncontrollable jerking or twitching in the arms or legs
• Losing awareness and not remembering the event
• Unusual sensations before a seizure, such as a strange smell, a rising feeling in the stomach, or suddenly feeling afraid

Symptoms in children

• Brief staring spells that may look like daydreaming
• Pausing in breathing and then recovering quickly
• Sudden falls without a clear reason
• Repetitive movements, such as lip-smacking or hand-rubbing

Symptoms in older adults

• Periods of confusion that come and go
• Memory lapses that are unusual for the person
• Staring episodes that others may mistake for not paying attention
• Dizziness or 'funny turns' without a clear cause

Causes

Main causes

• A high fever, especially in children (febrile seizures)
• Lack of sleep or extreme physical stress
• Head injury, stroke, or infection of the brain
• Alcohol or drug withdrawal
• Very low blood sugar or an imbalance of blood salts (electrolytes)
• Sometimes the cause is never found (called 'idiopathic')

Risk factors

• A family history of epilepsy
• A previous brain injury, stroke, or brain surgery
• Certain genetic conditions
• Being at the extremes of age (young children or older adults)
• Ongoing sleep problems or heavy alcohol use

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have a seizure for the first time, go to a hospital emergency department or see a doctor the same day.
• If you are pregnant, have diabetes, or were injured during the seizure, get urgent medical help.
• If seizures happen more often or are more severe than usual, call your care team right away.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have a known seizure disorder and have new or more frequent symptoms, make a routine appointment with your neurologist or specialist nurse.
• If you have been prescribed a seizure treatment but are having side effects, talk to your doctor about them at your next visit.

Diagnosis

A doctor will take a detailed history of the event, including what happened before, during, and after. They will also ask about your health, medications, and family history. A physical and neurological exam will be done to check your brain and nerve function.

Tests that may be done

• Blood tests to check for infection, blood sugar problems, or other causes
• An EEG (electroencephalogram), which records brain waves to look for unusual activity
• A brain scan, such as an MRI or CT, to see the structure of the brain in detail

What to expect at your appointment

You may be referred to a specialist (neurologist) for further tests and advice. The evaluation is usually done step by step, and not everyone needs every test. It is normal to feel anxious, but the process is designed to get you the right help.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and type of seizure, and on how likely you are to have another one. Not everyone needs medicine. If treatment is recommended, the goal is to prevent seizures while causing the fewest side effects.

Self-care at home

• Keep a diary of your seizures, including the date, time, and what you were doing before.
• Avoid known triggers, such as lack of sleep or flashing lights, when possible.
• Wear a medical ID bracelet or carry a card that says you have seizures and what to do.
• Tell close family, friends, or colleagues how they can help during a seizure and when to call for emergency help.

Medical treatments

Doctors may prescribe antiseizure medicines (also called anti-epileptic drugs) to reduce the risk of further seizures. The medicine is chosen based on your type of seizure, age, and other health conditions. It may take a few tries to find the right one. Your doctor will explain how to take it, what side effects to watch for, and why it is important not to stop suddenly without medical advice.

When is surgery considered?

For some types of epilepsy that do not improve with medicine, surgery to remove the small area of the brain where the seizures start may be an option. This is only considered after a thorough evaluation at a specialist epilepsy centre.

Living with this condition

Most people with seizures can lead independent, active lives. Having a clear seizure plan—knowing your triggers, having medication if prescribed, and telling trusted people what to do—can make daily life safer and more confident.

Lifestyle tips

• Keep a regular sleep schedule and get enough rest each night.
• Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as breathing exercises, walks, or hobbies.
• Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs, as they can increase seizure risk.
• Follow your doctor's advice about driving, swimming, and using sharp tools or machinery.

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet and regular physical activity are generally good for your overall health and can help you feel better. Eat regular meals to avoid low blood sugar, and keep yourself hydrated. Some people find that certain foods or skipping meals trigger seizures, so paying attention to your own patterns can be helpful.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

It is completely normal to feel anxious, worried, or low after a seizure or when living with a seizure condition. Many people have similar feelings. Talking to a therapist or counsellor can help. If you are ever in crisis, please reach out to your local mental health emergency service or a crisis helpline—you are not alone.

Prevention

You cannot always prevent a first seizure, but you can reduce the chance of repeat seizures. Take your prescribed treatments as directed, get enough sleep, avoid known triggers, and keep up with scheduled medical check-ups.

Vaccines

Some infections that can cause brain inflammation (and therefore seizures) are preventable with routine vaccines, such as measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). Staying up to date with recommended vaccinations is a simple way to protect your brain health.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for seizures in the general population. Screening for seizures usually means checking a person who has had a possible seizure or who is at high risk because of another brain condition. Your doctor will decide if any screening tests are appropriate for you.

Complications

If left untreated

• If seizures keep happening, they can affect driving, work, and daily independence.
• Repeated seizures can increase the risk of falls, head injuries, or drowning.
• In rare cases, a very long seizure can become a medical emergency called status epilepticus, which needs immediate treatment.

Long-term outlook

With the right care and support, many people become seizure-free or have far fewer seizures. Most people with epilepsy can work, drive (if allowed by law), and live a full, active life. The outlook is often good, and your healthcare team will work with you to find the best way forward.

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