First Aid Guides
Seizures
Triggers, signs and symptoms
Triggers that a seizure may be associated with include:
- lack of oxygen (hypoxia)
- onset of cardiac arrest
- medical conditions affecting the brain, e.g. low blood sugar, low blood pressure, head injury, neurological diseases such as tumor, stroke, epilepsy, infection
- trauma to the head
- some poisons and drugs
- withdrawal from alcohol and other substances of dependence
- fever in children under six years
Seizure activity may affect all or part of the body and may take many forms, depending on which part of the brain is involved. Symptoms may include:
- sudden generalised spasm of muscles producing rigidity
- if standing the person will fall down
- jerking movements of the head, arms, and legs
- shallow breathing or breathing may stop temporarily
- saliva from the mouth; the tongue may be bitten leading to bleeding
- incontinence of urine and/or faeces
- changes in conscious state from being fully alert to confused, drowsy, or loss of consciousness
- changes in behaviour where the person may make repetitive actions like fiddling with their clothes
A Generalised seizure usually involves the entire body and causes a loss or marked alteration in consciousness. It may result in life-threatening problems with airway or breathing, or risk of trauma from muscle spasms or loss of normal control of posture and movement.
A Focal seizure (previously called a partial seizure) usually involves only part of the body, and the person may retain consciousness, but may be frightened or confused. A Focal seizure may sometimes progress to a generalised seizure.
