Condition Lookup

Start typing to search for a specific condition, or select a specialty to see all of its conditions

Sub-Category:

New-Onset Seizures

Specialty: Emergency and Urgent Care

Sub-category: Seizures

Symptoms:
sudden loss of consciousness; uncontrolled jerking movements; confusion; loss of bladder or bowel control; aura (sensory or perceptual disturbances); postictal state of confusion or drowsiness

Root Cause:
Abnormal electrical activity in the brain due to various potential causes, including head trauma, infections, electrolyte imbalances, structural brain abnormalities, or unknown (idiopathic).

How it's Diagnosed: videos
History and physical examination, EEG to assess brain activity, blood tests to rule out metabolic triggers, and imaging (MRI or CT) to identify structural causes or lesions.

Treatment:
Immediate stabilization, treating any identified underlying cause, and, in some cases, starting antiepileptic medications.

Medications:
Treatment may involve levetiracetam , phenytoin , valproic acid, or lamotrigine (anticonvulsants). Medications are selected based on the seizure type and patient profile.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
About 40-70 cases per 100,000 individuals annually, with higher incidence in children and the elderly.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Head trauma, CNS infections, metabolic disturbances, drug intoxication or withdrawal, and family history of epilepsy.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; some cases resolve after treating the underlying cause, while others may lead to a diagnosis of epilepsy. Early diagnosis and treatment improve outcomes.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Risk of recurrent seizures, progression to status epilepticus, injury during seizures, and psychological effects such as anxiety or depression.