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

Audience: pediatric

If your child has had a suspected seizure, preparing for a telemedicine visit can help healthcare providers understand the situation better and decide the next steps. During the visit, you will be asked about the event, your child's medical history, and any symptoms before, during, and after the seizure. Telemedicine can be a helpful first step to triage the situation and determine if urgent in-person care is needed. However, some seizure situations require immediate emergency care and cannot be managed through telemedicine. Gathering information such as videos of the event, a list of current medications, and any previous seizure history can make the visit more effective. This guide will help you know what to expect, how to prepare, and when to seek emergency care for your child.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Seizure lasting more than 5 minutes — call emergency services immediately.
• Repeated seizures without regaining consciousness between them — seek urgent in-person care.
• Difficulty breathing or turning blue during or after a seizure — get emergency help right away.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment and triage of a suspected seizure when the child is stable.
• Reviewing medical history and seizure details.
• Providing guidance on monitoring and next steps.
• Scheduling follow-up care or tests.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Seizures lasting longer than 5 minutes.
• Repeated seizures without recovery between episodes.
• Severe breathing difficulties or loss of consciousness after seizure.
• Any signs of injury or serious complications requiring emergency care.

What to Expect During the Telemedicine Visit

The healthcare provider will ask detailed questions about your child's suspected seizure. This includes what you saw, how long it lasted, any triggers, and how your child behaved before and after the event. They may also ask about your child's medical history, medications, and any previous seizures. Be ready to describe or show any videos you have of the event.

How to Prepare for the Visit

Prepare a quiet, well-lit space for the visit where you can speak openly without distractions. Have your child's medical records, medication list, and any videos of the suspected seizure ready. Write down your observations and any questions you want to ask the provider. Ensure your device has a good internet connection and is charged.

When Telemedicine Is Appropriate

Telemedicine can help assess your child's symptoms quickly, provide guidance, and decide if in-person evaluation is needed. It is useful for follow-up questions, discussing test results, or initial triage when the seizure has stopped and your child is stable.

When to Seek Emergency Care Immediately

If your child has a seizure lasting longer than 5 minutes, has repeated seizures without regaining consciousness, has difficulty breathing, or does not wake up after the seizure, call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. These situations require urgent in-person care.

After the Telemedicine Visit

Follow the healthcare provider's instructions carefully. This may include monitoring your child closely, scheduling in-person appointments, or starting medications. Keep a seizure diary to record any future events, triggers, or symptoms. If your child's condition worsens, seek emergency care promptly.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit place for the telemedicine visit.
• Ensure your device is charged and connected to the internet.
• Have your child's medical history and medication list ready.
• Prepare any videos of the suspected seizure to share if possible.
• Write down observations and questions to discuss with the provider.
• Have a trusted adult present if possible to assist during the visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's instructions carefully.
• Monitor your child for any new or worsening symptoms.
• Keep a detailed seizure diary including date, time, duration, and description.
• Schedule any recommended in-person follow-up appointments or tests.
• Seek emergency care if red flag symptoms occur after the visit.

FAQs

Can I show a video of my child's seizure during the telemedicine visit?

Yes, sharing a video can help the healthcare provider understand the event better. Make sure the video is clear and shows the full event if possible.

What should I do if my child has another seizure after the telemedicine visit?

Monitor the seizure closely. If it lasts longer than 5 minutes, or if your child has repeated seizures without waking up in between, seek emergency care immediately.

Is telemedicine safe for evaluating seizures in children?

Telemedicine is a useful tool for initial assessment and triage when your child is stable. However, it cannot replace emergency care when seizures are prolonged or complicated.

What information should I have ready for the telemedicine visit?

Have your child's medical history, current medications, details of the suspected seizure, and any videos or notes about the event ready to share with the provider.

When should I choose in-person care instead of telemedicine?

If your child is still having seizures, has trouble breathing, is unresponsive, or shows any red flag symptoms, seek in-person emergency care immediately.

Sources

1. Seizures in Children — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Epilepsy and Seizures — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Seizure Disorders in Children — American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
4. Seizures: First Aid and Treatment — Mayo Clinic.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational and triage purposes only. It is not a substitute for in-person evaluation and treatment by a healthcare professional. If your child experiences emergency symptoms or worsening condition, seek immediate medical care.