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New-Onset Seizure in Adults

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 29, 2024.

What is a seizure?

A seizure is a burst of electrical activity in your brain. A seizure may start in one part of your brain, or both sides may be affected. The seizure may last a few seconds or up to 5 minutes. A new-onset seizure is a seizure that happens for the first time. You have a higher risk for another seizure within the next 2 years.

What causes a seizure?

The cause of your seizure may not be known. Any of the following may cause a seizure:

What are the signs and symptoms of a seizure?

You may have symptoms before the seizure starts. This is called an aura. Examples include dizziness, anxiety, or flashing bright lights. You may have symptoms of one type of a seizure or a combination of different types:

How is a seizure diagnosed?

Bring someone with you who saw you have a seizure. The person can describe what happened during your seizure, how long it lasted, and how you acted after. Tell your healthcare provider about any family history of seizures and any recent illness or trauma. The provider will examine you and check your neuro signs. Neuro signs show healthcare providers how well your brain is working. If the neuro checks are abnormal, you may need more tests.

How is a seizure treated?

Treatment will depend on the cause of your seizure. You may need medicine to prevent another seizure. Medicine may also be given to treat the cause of a seizure, such as antibiotics for an infection.

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

View more treatment options

What can I do to manage or prevent a seizure?

What do I need to know about stopping my medicine?

Your healthcare provider can help you understand and make decisions about continuing or stopping antiseizure medicines. You may need to be seizure free for 18 to 24 months before you can stop your medicine. Seizures might happen again while you stop taking the medicine, or after you stop. Rarely, these seizures no longer respond to medicines. Tests such as an EEG may be useful in helping you and your provider make medicine decisions.

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) or have someone else call for any of the following:

When should I call my doctor?

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.