Patient Resources
What happens after a first seizure?
Short answer
After a first seizure, evaluation typically includes a detailed history from you and any witnesses, a neurological examination, laboratory studies, an EEG, and brain imaging. The goal is to determine whether it was a seizure, what may have provoked it, and what the risk of recurrence is.
Understanding this
A witness description is often the single most valuable piece of information, because much of what happens during a seizure is not remembered.
Some seizures are provoked by factors such as sleep deprivation, alcohol withdrawal, metabolic abnormalities, or medications. Others reflect an underlying tendency toward recurrent seizures, which is epilepsy.
Driving restrictions and safety recommendations after a seizure vary by state and by individual circumstances and are discussed during the visit.
Symptoms and signs
- Loss of consciousness or awareness
- Stiffening or rhythmic jerking of the limbs
- Staring spells with unresponsiveness
- Tongue biting or loss of bladder control
- Confusion or fatigue afterward
- Brief unusual sensations, smells, or déjà vu
How it is evaluated
- History from the patient and any witnesses
- Neurological examination
- Laboratory studies
- EEG
- MRI or CT of the brain
- Discussion of treatment, safety, and follow-up
When to seek care
- Call 911 for a seizure lasting more than 5 minutes, repeated seizures, a seizure with injury, difficulty breathing, or failure to return to normal awareness afterward.
- A first seizure should always be medically evaluated.
Emergency symptoms
Need a Neurologist?
Choose the scheduling line for the state where you will be located for your appointment.
In-Person Neurology Visits
Available at three office locations:
Crystal Lake, Illinois
Woodstock, Illinois
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Telehealth Neurology Visits
Telehealth neurology appointments are available to patients located anywhere in Illinois or Wisconsin. You do not need to live near an office, but you must be physically located in Illinois or Wisconsin at the time of the appointment.
Learn about telehealth neurology →Call to schedule
Illinois appointments: 815-337-7100. Wisconsin appointments: 262-245-0535.
Choose your visit
Our office will confirm whether an in-person or telehealth visit is appropriate and provide the details.
Insurance and referrals
Insurance participation and referral requirements vary by plan. Our office will confirm what your plan requires before your visit.
If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek emergency medical attention.