Tele-triage for Seizure (Suspected) - Triage

Audience: adult

If you or someone you know has had a suspected seizure, telemedicine can help assess the situation quickly. A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain that may cause changes in behavior, movements, or consciousness. Tele-triage can guide you on the urgency of care needed and provide advice on next steps. However, some seizure symptoms require immediate in-person medical attention. Telemedicine is useful for initial evaluation, follow-up questions, and managing known seizure disorders, but it cannot replace emergency care when a seizure is ongoing or if serious complications arise. This guide helps you understand when to use telemedicine and when to seek urgent help.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Seizure lasting longer than 5 minutes — call emergency services immediately.
• Repeated seizures without regaining consciousness between them — seek urgent medical care.
• Difficulty breathing, unresponsiveness, or serious injury after a seizure — go to emergency room right away.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment after a seizure has stopped and person is stable.
• Follow-up care and medication management for known seizure disorders.
• Providing education about seizures and safety precautions.
• Guidance on when to seek emergency care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Active seizure lasting more than 5 minutes.
• Repeated seizures without recovery between episodes.
• Seizure with breathing difficulties, unresponsiveness, or serious injury.
• New onset seizure in pregnant individuals or those with serious medical conditions requiring urgent evaluation.

What is a Suspected Seizure?

A suspected seizure is an episode where someone suddenly experiences unusual movements, loss of awareness, or confusion. Seizures can vary widely, from brief staring spells to full-body convulsions. Sometimes, other conditions like fainting or muscle spasms may look like seizures. Tele-triage helps identify if the event was likely a seizure and what to do next.

When to Use Telemedicine for Suspected Seizures

Telemedicine can be helpful if:

A healthcare provider can assess symptoms, answer questions, and help decide if further testing or in-person care is needed.

When to Seek Immediate In-Person Care

Call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room if:

These situations require urgent medical evaluation.

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

Before your tele-visit, try to:

What to Expect After the Tele-Visit

After your telemedicine appointment, the provider may:

Keep track of any new symptoms and follow the provider's advice closely.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Note the exact time the seizure started and how long it lasted.
• Record symptoms before, during, and after the seizure.
• List all current medications and relevant medical history.
• Have a trusted person available to help describe the event if possible.
• Ensure your device is charged and connected to a reliable internet source.
• Find a quiet, private place for the telemedicine visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow any recommendations for diagnostic testing (e.g., EEG, MRI).
• Take medications as prescribed and report side effects.
• Monitor for new or worsening symptoms and seek care if red flags appear.
• Schedule follow-up appointments as advised.
• Implement safety measures to prevent injury during seizures.
• Keep a seizure diary to track frequency and triggers.

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose a seizure?

Telemedicine can help evaluate symptoms and guide next steps but usually cannot definitively diagnose a seizure without in-person tests like EEG or imaging.

What should I do if a seizure lasts more than 5 minutes?

A seizure lasting longer than 5 minutes is a medical emergency. Call emergency services immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.

Is it safe to use telemedicine after a first seizure?

Telemedicine can be a useful first step after a seizure has stopped to discuss symptoms and plan care, but in-person evaluation is often needed to confirm diagnosis and treatment.

Can telemedicine help manage epilepsy?

Yes, telemedicine is often effective for follow-up care, medication management, and education for people living with epilepsy.

What information should I provide during a telemedicine visit for a suspected seizure?

Provide details about the seizure event, including timing, duration, symptoms, recovery, medications, and any previous seizures or medical conditions.

Sources

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

This telemedicine guidance is for educational and triage purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional in-person medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment. If you experience a medical emergency or have concerns about your health, seek immediate care from a healthcare provider or emergency services.