Patient Name: _________________________
Date: _________________________
Provider/Nurse: _________________________
1. What Is a Seizure?
A seizure happens when there is sudden, abnormal electrical activity in the brain. This can cause changes in:
Movement (shaking, stiffening)
Awareness or consciousness
Sensation (smells, tastes, visuals)
Behavior
Seizures can last a few seconds to several minutes.
2. Types of Seizures
a. Generalized Seizures:
Affect the whole brain.
Tonic-clonic (Grand mal): stiffening, shaking, loss of consciousness.
Absence seizures: blank staring for a few seconds.
Myoclonic: quick jerks of arms/legs.
b. Focal (Partial) Seizures:
Start in one part of the brain.
Focal aware: patient is awake and alert.
Focal impaired awareness: confusion, repeated movements (lip smacking, picking), not aware of surroundings.
3. Common Triggers
Missed medication
Lack of sleep
Stress
Alcohol or drug use
Illness, fever, infection
Flashing lights (rare in adults)
Hormone changes
Low blood sugar
Dehydration
Avoiding triggers helps reduce seizure frequency.
4. Warning Signs (Auras)
Some people feel warning signs before a seizure:
Strange smell or taste
Sudden fear or anxiety
Déjà vu feelings
Blurry vision or flashing lights
Tingling or numbness
If you feel an aura, sit or lie down to stay safe.
5. What to Do During a Seizure (First Aid)
Do:
Stay calm and keep the person safe
Turn them onto their side
Remove objects that may cause injury
Place something soft under their head
Loosen tight clothing
Time the seizure
Do NOT:
Do not put anything in the person’s mouth
Do not try to hold them down
Do not give food, drink, or medication until fully awake
6. When to Call 911
Seek emergency care if:
Seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes
Repeated seizures occur back-to-back
Person has trouble breathing after the seizure
Person does not wake up or return to normal
Injury occurs (head injury, bleeding, fracture)
It is their first-ever seizure
The person is pregnant or has diabetes
7. After a Seizure (Postictal Phase)
It is normal to experience:
Confusion
Fatigue or sleepiness
Headache
Sore muscles
Slurred speech
Memory problems
These symptoms may last minutes to hours.
8. Medication Information
Take your anti-seizure medicine exactly as prescribed. Missing doses is one of the most common reasons for breakthrough seizures.
Your Medication(s): _____________________________________
Dose/Schedule: _________________________________________
Side Effects to Watch For:
☐ Dizziness
☐ Sleepiness
☐ Changes in mood
☐ Rash (call provider immediately)
☐ Vision changes
9. Safety Precautions for Adults
Take medication daily
Wear a medical alert bracelet
Avoid driving until cleared by a doctor
Do not swim alone
Take showers instead of baths
Use protective gear when needed
Avoid heights (ladders, rooftops)
Keep a safe home environment: padded edges, clutter-free floors
10. Follow-Up
Next Appointment: _______________________________
Neurologist: _____________________ Phone: _____________
Primary Care Provider: ________________________________
11. My Seizure Plan
My Triggers: __________________________________________
My Warning Signs: _____________________________________
What Helps Me Recover: _________________________________
Patient Signature: ____________________ Date: __________
Provider Signature: __________________ Date: ___________
Date: _________________________
Provider/Nurse: _________________________
1. What Is a Seizure?
A seizure happens when there is sudden, abnormal electrical activity in the brain. This can cause changes in:
Movement (shaking, stiffening)
Awareness or consciousness
Sensation (smells, tastes, visuals)
Behavior
Seizures can last a few seconds to several minutes.
2. Types of Seizures
a. Generalized Seizures:
Affect the whole brain.
Tonic-clonic (Grand mal): stiffening, shaking, loss of consciousness.
Absence seizures: blank staring for a few seconds.
Myoclonic: quick jerks of arms/legs.
b. Focal (Partial) Seizures:
Start in one part of the brain.
Focal aware: patient is awake and alert.
Focal impaired awareness: confusion, repeated movements (lip smacking, picking), not aware of surroundings.
3. Common Triggers
Missed medication
Lack of sleep
Stress
Alcohol or drug use
Illness, fever, infection
Flashing lights (rare in adults)
Hormone changes
Low blood sugar
Dehydration
Avoiding triggers helps reduce seizure frequency.
4. Warning Signs (Auras)
Some people feel warning signs before a seizure:
Strange smell or taste
Sudden fear or anxiety
Déjà vu feelings
Blurry vision or flashing lights
Tingling or numbness
If you feel an aura, sit or lie down to stay safe.
5. What to Do During a Seizure (First Aid)
Do:
Stay calm and keep the person safe
Turn them onto their side
Remove objects that may cause injury
Place something soft under their head
Loosen tight clothing
Time the seizure
Do NOT:
Do not put anything in the person’s mouth
Do not try to hold them down
Do not give food, drink, or medication until fully awake
6. When to Call 911
Seek emergency care if:
Seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes
Repeated seizures occur back-to-back
Person has trouble breathing after the seizure
Person does not wake up or return to normal
Injury occurs (head injury, bleeding, fracture)
It is their first-ever seizure
The person is pregnant or has diabetes
7. After a Seizure (Postictal Phase)
It is normal to experience:
Confusion
Fatigue or sleepiness
Headache
Sore muscles
Slurred speech
Memory problems
These symptoms may last minutes to hours.
8. Medication Information
Take your anti-seizure medicine exactly as prescribed. Missing doses is one of the most common reasons for breakthrough seizures.
Your Medication(s): _____________________________________
Dose/Schedule: _________________________________________
Side Effects to Watch For:
☐ Dizziness
☐ Sleepiness
☐ Changes in mood
☐ Rash (call provider immediately)
☐ Vision changes
9. Safety Precautions for Adults
Take medication daily
Wear a medical alert bracelet
Avoid driving until cleared by a doctor
Do not swim alone
Take showers instead of baths
Use protective gear when needed
Avoid heights (ladders, rooftops)
Keep a safe home environment: padded edges, clutter-free floors
10. Follow-Up
Next Appointment: _______________________________
Neurologist: _____________________ Phone: _____________
Primary Care Provider: ________________________________
11. My Seizure Plan
My Triggers: __________________________________________
My Warning Signs: _____________________________________
What Helps Me Recover: _________________________________
Patient Signature: ____________________ Date: __________
Provider Signature: __________________ Date: ___________
