Seizure: New Onset with Unknown Cause (Adult)

You have had a seizure. A seizure happens when a burst of random, uncontrolled electrical activity occurs in the brain. It can have many causes. Often it is not possible to figure out the exact cause of a seizure from a single exam and you may need other tests. Having a single seizure does not mean that you will continue to have seizures or that you have epilepsy. However, until your healthcare providers know the cause of your seizure, you should assume that another seizure is possible.

Home Care

Follow these tips when caring for yourself at home.

• Seizures are not predictable so avoid doing anything that might cause harm to you or other people if you have another seizure.
  • Do not drive, ride a bike, climb ladders, or operate dangerous equipment.
  • Do not take a bath alone. Take a shower instead.
  • Do not swim alone until your healthcare provider says that you are no longer in danger of having another seizure.
• Follow a regular sleep schedule so that you get about 6 to 8 hours of restful sleep every night. This is especially important when you are sick and have a cold, flu, or another type of infection.
• If medicine was prescribed to prevent seizures, take it exactly as directed. It does not work when taken "as needed." Missing doses will increase the risk of having another seizure.
• Tell your close friends and relatives about your seizure. Teach them what to do for you if it happens again.
• Do not drink alcoholic beverages until your doctor says it is okay. Do not ever use recreational drugs.
  
• Each state has different laws about driving if you have had a seizure. Ask your doctor if you can drive.

For future seizures, if you are alone:

• If you feel a seizure coming on, lie down on a bed or on the floor with something soft under your head.  This will keep you from falling.
• Lie on your left side, not on your back.  This will let fluid drain out of your mouth and prevent choking.
• Be sure you are clear of any objects that might injure you during the seizure.
• Call 911 if there is time.

For future seizures, if someone is with you:

• The person should help you get into a safe position and call 911.
• The person should not try to force anything in your mouth once the seizure begins. This could harm your teeth or jaw.
• After a seizure, you may be drowsy or confused. The person should stay with you until you are fully awake.
• The person should not offer you anything to eat or drink during that time.
• Call 911 or go to the emergency department so that you can be examined.

Follow-up Care

• Follow up with your healthcare provider, or as advised. You may need other tests to help figure out what caused your seizure. These tests may include brain wave tests (EEG) or brain scans (MRI or CT scans).
  
• Keep a seizure calendar to record how often you have a seizure.
• If you take or are being started on anti-seizure medicine and are on birth control pills, make sure you speak with your healthcare provider. Some of the birth control pills are not effective when taken with anti-seizure medication. Your birth control pill may need to be adjusted or changed, or you may need to change birth control methods as you could become pregnant.  Use additional birth control protection methods until you speak with your healthcare provider.
• Note: For the safety of yourself and others on the road, certain states require that the treating healthcare provider tell the Public Health Department about any adult who is treated for a seizure and is at risk of more seizures. In this case, the department of motor vehicles will be told. A restriction will be put on your driver’s license until a doctor gives you medical clearance to drive again. Contact your healthcare provider to find out if your state requires the reporting of patients with a seizure condition. 

© 2000-2021 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions. This information has been modified by your health care provider with permission from the publisher.