Seizures

Abstract

Seizures are defined as transient occurrences of signs or symptoms related to abnormal excessive or synchronous neuronal activity in the brain. Acute seizures comprise approximately 1% of all emergency department visits. Acutely, most seizures are identified by motor symptoms, such as clonic jerking. The most common seizure emergencies are acute repetitive seizures, an abrupt increase in seizure frequency compared to baseline, and status epilepticus (SE), at least 30 min of continuous seizure activity or multiple seizures without return to neurological baseline. Convulsive seizures are easily recognized however nonconvulsive seizures are less clear yet are present in nearly 20% of patients with altered mental status (AMS) who receive electroencephalography (EEG). A period of AMS occurring in the period following a seizure is referred to as a postictal state.