How to Prepare for a Telemedicine Visit About Suspected Seizure - Triage

Audience: adult

If you or someone you care for may have had a seizure, a telemedicine visit can help start the evaluation safely and conveniently. During the visit, a healthcare provider will ask about the event, symptoms, and medical history to decide if urgent care is needed or if further testing can wait. Preparing well for your telemedicine visit helps you share important details clearly and get the best advice. However, some situations require immediate in-person emergency care, such as ongoing seizures or difficulty breathing. This guide explains how telemedicine can assist with suspected seizures, what to prepare, red flags to watch for, and what to expect after your visit. Remember, telemedicine is a helpful tool but not a replacement for emergency or in-person care when needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Seizure lasting more than 5 minutes without stopping — call emergency services immediately.
• Repeated seizures without regaining consciousness between them — seek urgent medical care.
• Difficulty breathing, unresponsiveness, or inability to wake up after a seizure — go to emergency care right away.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial evaluation of symptoms and history related to suspected seizure.
• Providing guidance on seizure first aid and safety precautions.
• Determining urgency and advising when to seek emergency or in-person care.
• Arranging follow-up appointments and referrals for diagnostic testing.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Diagnosing seizure types or underlying causes without in-person tests.
• Managing ongoing or prolonged seizures (status epilepticus).
• Performing physical examinations or diagnostic tests like EEG or brain imaging.
• Administering emergency treatments or interventions during seizures.

What to Expect During Your Telemedicine Visit

Your healthcare provider will ask detailed questions about the suspected seizure, including what happened before, during, and after the event. They may ask about any injuries, loss of consciousness, or unusual movements. You might be asked to describe symptoms like confusion, weakness, or unusual sensations. The provider will also review your medical history and any medications you take. Visual observation through video may help assess your condition. Based on this, they will guide you on next steps, which may include urgent care, tests, or follow-up appointments.

How to Prepare for Your Telemedicine Visit

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When to Seek Immediate In-Person Care

Some signs require urgent emergency care. Call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room if:

What Telemedicine Can and Cannot Do for Suspected Seizures

Telemedicine can:

Telemedicine cannot:

After Your Telemedicine Visit

Follow the healthcare provider's instructions carefully. This may include:

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, well-lit space with a stable internet connection for your visit.
• Gather information about the suspected seizure event: date, time, duration, and symptoms.
• List current medications, medical conditions, and allergies.
• Have a family member or friend available to assist if possible.
• Prepare any questions or concerns you want to discuss with the provider.
• Ensure your device is charged and the telemedicine platform is working properly.

After your tele-visit

• Follow any instructions or prescriptions given by your healthcare provider.
• Schedule recommended in-person tests or specialist appointments.
• Monitor for new or worsening symptoms and keep a seizure diary if advised.
• Avoid potentially dangerous activities until cleared by your provider.
• Seek emergency care immediately if any red flags occur.
• Communicate any changes or concerns to your healthcare provider promptly.

FAQs

Can a telemedicine visit diagnose a seizure?

Telemedicine can help gather important history and symptoms but cannot definitively diagnose a seizure without physical exams and diagnostic tests like EEG or brain imaging, which require in-person visits.

What should I do if a seizure happens during a telemedicine visit?

If a seizure occurs during the visit, try to stay safe and call emergency services immediately if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, if multiple seizures occur without recovery, or if breathing is affected.

Is it safe to have a telemedicine visit alone after a suspected seizure?

It is often helpful to have a family member or friend present during the visit to provide additional information and assist if needed, especially if you feel confused or weak after the event.

What information is most important to share during the telemedicine visit?

Provide detailed information about what happened before, during, and after the suspected seizure, including duration, movements, loss of consciousness, injuries, and any symptoms like confusion or weakness.

When should I go to the emergency room instead of using telemedicine?

Seek emergency care if the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, if multiple seizures occur without recovery, if there is difficulty breathing, unresponsiveness, serious injury, or if this is the first seizure accompanied by concerning symptoms.

Sources

1. Seizures — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Epilepsy and Seizures — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Seizure Disorders — Mayo Clinic.
4. Seizures and Epilepsy: Diagnosis and Treatment — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational and triage purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you experience emergency symptoms or worsening conditions, seek immediate medical attention.