What to expect at your health care provider's office
The doctor will perform a physical examination and ask questions to help understand the cause of the seizures, such as:
- Did it occur or start on one side of the body?
- Was there movement of the muscles and if so, what was the pattern?
- Are there any risk factors (such as recent head injury)?
- Was consciousness maintained during the seizure?
- How long did the seizure last?
- What are the frequency of the seizures?
- Was there any warning (aura) of the seizures?
- Were there any other symptoms present (visual changes, abnormal smells)?
The following diagnostic tests may be performed:
Medications are often prescribed. Instructions for taking them should be strictly followed. Family members should observe and record any seizures to ensure the patient gets proper treatment.
People with uncontrolled seizures should not drive. Each state has a different law that determines which patients are allowed to drive. People with seizures also should not swim or bike alone.
Prevention
There is no specific way to prevent seizures. Use helmets when appropriate to prevent head injury. This will lessen the likelihood of a brain injury and subsequent seizures. Avoid recreational drugs. People with epilepsy should take medication as directed and avoid excessive amounts of alcohol.
References
Goetz, CG. Textbook of Clinical Neurology. 2nd ed. St. Louis, MO: WB Saunders; 2003: 1158-1160.
Marx J. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2002:145-149, 1445.
Hirtz D, Ashwal S, Berg A, et al. Practice parameter: Evaluating a first nonfebrile seizure in children: Report of the Quality Standards Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology, the Child Neurology Society, and the American Epilepsy Society. Neurology. 2000;55;616-623.
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