What evaluation covers
Event narrative, witness account, neurologic exam, EEG and MRI considerations only when indicated. Labs exclude provoked causes such as infection or metabolic disturbance. A single seizure does not equal epilepsy; causes include acute symptomatic, unprovoked, and mimics such as syncope or psychogenic spells.
Related: Neurology → · Dr. Jitendra Knowledge Hub → · ICHD-3 Topic →
Safety and follow-up
Sleep hygiene, adherence discussion, trigger avoidance, and counseling on recurrence risk and driving are individualized. Ongoing management — where epilepsy is diagnosed — is planned with the same consultant for continuity, without implying guaranteed seizure freedom.
When urgent care is needed
First seizure needs same-day evaluation; seizure lasting over 5 minutes, repeated without recovery, or with injury or breathing difficulty is an emergency — call emergency services immediately.
- First seizure — urgent same-day
- Prolonged (>5min) or clustered — emergency
- Injury or breathing difficulty — emergency