Introduction
Seizures are an important neurological presentation with a variety of different features and can be a result of a large number of different causes. This module aims to provide an overview of seizure presentations, risk factors and causes, basic initial management, post-seizure workup and long term management.
Content Contributors:
Author: Dr Bryan lim
CONTENT APPROVAL: Dr Elizabeth Reyneke
EDITOR: Dr Sahani Jayawardane
Version History Version
Version 1 – April 2021
It requires 1 hour preparation.
It can be taught in 1.5 hours
Teaching approach
As with all modules, familiarise yourself with the NPMT principles.
session learning objectives:
Understanding of seizure as a symptom of an underlying disease process, classification of seizure types and diagnosis of epilepsy
Understand the wide variety of causes for seizures
Discuss differential diagnoses for seizures including imitators
Key history and examination findings for a patient presenting with a seizure
Describe basic initial management and investigations during a seizure episode
General understanding of long-term management of seizures and associated complications
Tips & Tricks on running an effective session:
A case example will be provided in this pack but it would be useful to identify a current inpatient with seizures. For the later years, this could allow for a more case-based approach such as reviewing investigations on eMR and deciding next steps in management
This topic is quite content heavy and the focus of each session may depend on the level of training of the medical students
With students in pre-clinical/early clinical years the focus may be more on building background knowledge of seizures
With students later clinical years the session can be run as a case based discussion starting with history, examination, investigations, acute management and further management
Discuss the learning objectives with the students at the start of the session to see if there are areas where they would prefer to focus on or skim through quickly
Print or share PDF copies of the CCLHD adult seizure management guideline updated to November 2019
There is also an epilepsy management plan which is similar to an asthma action plan available online which can be shown as an example for long-term management of epilepsy