Core Module

Seizures

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

Download Resources: