Seizures in the prehospital setting

Abstract

Seizures are a common occurrence in the prehospital arena, however, with numerous conditions causing seizures, prehospital clinicians can be left with a dilemma in the treatment of these patients. Patients who are actively seizing will predominately have their airway maintained, oxygen administered and therapeutic intervention (diazepam) initiated. One form of seizure, non-epileptic attack disorder or psychogenic seizures, are often called ‘pseudo’ seizures—an acronym synonymous in the ambulance service, this gives connotations that the patient is ‘faking it’. However, these patients often have deep psychological trauma that needs careful handling and empathy.