seizure day of procedure tips

Overview

This is a guide for people who have epilepsy or seizures and are scheduled for a medical procedure (like surgery, a scan, or a dental visit). It explains how to prepare and what to expect on the day of the procedure to keep you safe and comfortable.

Many people with seizure disorders have procedures safely every day. With good planning, most can go ahead without problems.

Anyone with epilepsy or a history of seizures who needs a medical or dental procedure. This includes children, adults, and older adults.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Seizures can include shaking, staring, confusion, or loss of awareness.
• Some people have unusual feelings or sensations just before a seizure (called an aura).
• After a seizure, you might feel tired, confused, or have a headache.

Symptoms in children

• Children may have brief staring spells or jerking movements.
• They might seem very sleepy or irritable after a seizure.
• Tell the procedure team if your child has ever had a seizure.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may have seizures that look like confusion or fainting.
• They might be more prone to side effects from medicines.
• It’s important to list all medicines and any health changes.

Causes

Main causes

• Epilepsy, a condition where the brain has sudden bursts of electrical activity.
• Other health problems like head injury, infection, or stroke can cause seizures.
• Sometimes the stress of a procedure or changes in medicine can trigger a seizure.

Risk factors

• Missing or changing seizure medicine doses.
• Not sleeping well the night before the procedure.
• Stress, fever, or low blood sugar on the day.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have a seizure that is different or more frequent than usual before the procedure.
• If you have any new symptoms like confusion, weakness, or vision changes.

Book a routine appointment if:

• Talk to your regular doctor or seizure specialist well before the procedure to make a plan.
• If you are unsure about which medicines to take on the day, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Diagnosis

A diagnosis of seizures or epilepsy is usually made by a doctor based on your history, a description of events, and tests like an EEG (brain wave test).

Tests that may be done

• EEG (electroencephalogram) to measure electrical activity in the brain.
• Blood tests to check for other causes of seizures.
• Imaging scans like MRI or CT to look at the brain’s structure.

What to expect at your appointment

If you have a known seizure disorder, you likely already have a diagnosis. Before a procedure, your doctor may review your history and current medicines to make sure everything is safe.

Treatment

Treatment for seizures focuses on controlling them so you can have a safe procedure. This usually involves taking your regular medicine as prescribed and having a plan in case a seizure happens.

Self-care at home

• Take your seizure medicine exactly as directed on the day of the procedure.
• Get a good night’s sleep before the procedure.
• Eat a light meal as advised by your doctor – don’t skip meals unless told to.
• Tell the procedure team about your seizure history and any special needs.

Medical treatments

Doctors may adjust your regular seizure medicine or prescribe a short-acting medicine to prevent seizures during the procedure. They will monitor you closely. The exact treatment depends on your type of seizures and the procedure. Ask your doctor about the best plan for you.

When is surgery considered?

If you have epilepsy that doesn’t improve with medicines, surgery to remove the part of the brain causing seizures may be an option. This is a separate decision and not usually related to a single procedure.

Living with this condition

Living with seizures means planning ahead for medical visits. Always tell new doctors about your condition and carry a list of your medicines.

Lifestyle tips

• Keep a regular sleep schedule.
• Manage stress with relaxation techniques like deep breathing.
• Avoid alcohol and illegal drugs, as they can trigger seizures.
• Wear a medical alert bracelet or carry a card that says you have seizures.

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet can help you feel well. Some people find that staying hydrated and eating regular meals helps prevent seizures. Exercise is generally safe and beneficial – talk to your doctor about any activities you are unsure about.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Having a seizure disorder can cause anxiety, especially before procedures. It’s okay to feel worried. Talk to your healthcare team about your fears. They can offer support and help you feel more in control.

Prevention

Seizures themselves cannot always be prevented, but you can reduce the chance of having one during a procedure by following your doctor’s advice, taking your medicines, and avoiding common triggers like lack of sleep or stress.

Complications

If left untreated

• A prolonged seizure during a procedure could harm your brain or body.
• If you stop your seizure medicine without advice, you may have more seizures.
• Without a plan, the procedure team may not know how to help you if a seizure occurs.

Long-term outlook

With careful planning and open communication with your healthcare team, most people with seizures can have procedures safely. The key is to work together and follow the agreed plan. You have the support you need to get through it.

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