Keeping a record of seizures is important. Few doctors ever see patients with epilepsy having seizures and must therefore rely on the account of an observer in making a diagnosis. There are many different types of seizures and an accurate diagnosis is easier if a clear description of the seizure is available. After diagnosis the doctor will also welcome an ongoing record detailing seizure frequency and any changes in pattern or type.This information will help the doctor to prescribe the appropriate treatment.

If you are caring for someone with epilepsy you will need to know what to look for as important details may be missed if you don’t understand their relevance. There may be several stages in a seizure and each should be carefully observed and recorded. Parents may soon grow to recognise the features of epilepsy in their child, whilst others such as care staff may look after a number of people with epilepsy who are all affected differently. To ensure consistency of information, it is advisable to develop a standard form for recording seizures.

Build up and onset - This may last for several days or for just a few minutes. An ‘aura {a partial seizure} consisting of odd sensations or movement of one part of the body, may precede a major convulsive seizure.

The seizure - This may be one of many types and each seizure type is unique to the person who has it.

After the seizure - The recovery may be immediate, relatively quick or take a few hours. On rare occasions the after effects may last for as long as a few days. After major convulsive seizures a number of symptoms may persist e.g. confusion, headaches, slurred speech etc.

The following questions should help you to gather information the doctor or epilepsy nurse needs:

• What was the time and date of the seizure?
• What was the person doing at the time?
• Was the person awake or asleep?
• What called your attention to the seizure - a cry a fall a stare or a head turn?
• Did the seizure progress quickly or slowly?
• How long did each stage of the seizure last?
• Which parts of the body were affected?
• Was one side of the body more affected than the other?
• Did the body become stiff?
• Did it jerk, twitch or convulse?
• Was the person unconscious?
• If not, were there any altered awareness?
• Did the skin show any changes e.g. become flushed, clammy or ‘blue’
• Did the breathing change?
• Did the person talk or perform any actions during the seizure?
• Was the person incontinent of bladder or bowel?
• Did the person vomit during the seizure?
• How did the person behave after the seizure?
• After recovery did the person remember any unusual sensations before or at the onset of the seizure?
• How long did the person take to recover completely?
• If the person takes medication when was the last dose prior to the seizure?
• Is there anything else associated with the seizure the doctor or nurse should know?

If you can answer any or all of the questions, you will help provide a picture of the persons epilepsy. A full account of the event is especially useful at the onset of epilepsy or at times of change e.g. changes in medication or in seizure pattern. At other times it may only be necessary to keep a summarised account.