Seizure (HB)

Seizures are a great mystery of the brain. Any of the components of STOPEATS could manifest as a seizure. An otherwise-normal healthy patient could have a seizure.

Seizures can take the classic form of the patient writhing in an uncoordinated manner, or they could simply be absent (eyes open but no response and vacant affect). These patients should be considered unresponsive.

During the seizure, your role is to protect them from injury, but this is limited to making sure they do not fall from height or impact into anything while moving around. Do not, under any circumstances, put something into their mouth or try and capture their tongue. There is an old myth that a seizing patient could “swallow their tongue.” This is anatomically impossible. You are more likely to get bit by the patient or cause damage than anything else. The most significant risk to a seizure patient is untrained bystanders.

After the seizure has ended, the patient may take a few minutes to come back. They may be disoriented or confused. This should resolve on its own.

A seizure is only an emergency if it is related to a trauma or an associated environmental emergency. It is the first time it has occurred for the patient, or the patient has multiple seizures back to back.