Epilepsy and Seizure Treatment

• Stiffening and jerking of the body, with loss of consciousness
• Staring spells or brief loss of awareness
• Jerking or unusual sensations in one part of the body
• Confusion, repeated movements or unusual behaviour during an episode
• Tiredness or confusion afterwards

Often no single cause is found. Known causes include genetic factors, head injury, stroke, brain infections, brain tumours and problems around birth. Lack of sleep, missed medicines and alcohol can trigger seizures.

• A seizure lasting more than 5 minutes, or repeated seizures without recovery in between
• A first-ever seizure
• A seizure with injury, during pregnancy, or in water
• Breathing difficulty or not waking up afterwards

Call 108 in these situations.

A detailed description of the episode from the patient and anyone who saw it is the most important part, and a phone video can help. EEG and MRI of the brain are done where appropriate, along with blood tests.

• Antiseizure medicines, chosen for the seizure type and the individual
• Regular review to balance seizure control with side effects
• Advice on sleep, alcohol, driving, work and pregnancy
• Referral for further evaluation when seizures continue despite treatment

• Stay calm, note the time and stay with the person
• Move hard or sharp objects away and cushion the head
• Do not restrain them and do not put anything in their mouth
• Once the jerking stops, turn them onto their side
• Call 108 if it lasts more than 5 minutes or another seizure follows