Is an Emergency Room Visit Needed?
An uncomplicated convulsive seizure in someone who has epilepsy is not a medical emergency, even though it looks like one. It stops naturally after a few minutes without ill effects. The average person is able to continue about his business after a rest period, and may need only limited assistance, or no assistance at all, in getting home. However, occasionally a seizure will fail to stop naturally and as noted earlier, there are several medical conditions other than epilepsy that can cause seizures. These include: • diabetes • brain infections • heat exhaustion • pregnancy • poisoning • hypoglycemia • high fever • head injury When seizures are continuous or any of these conditions exist, immediate medical attention is necessary. The following are some suggestions to help people with epilepsy avoid unnecessary and expensive trips to the emergency room and to help you decide whether or not to call an ambulance: No Need to Call an Ambulance • If medical I.D. jewelry or card says “epileps
