© 2005 BMJ Publishing Group Ltd, and British Association for Accident and Emergency Medicine
REVIEW
Early management of adults with an uncomplicated first generalised seizure
1 Emergency Department, The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh at Little France, Edinburgh, Scotland
2 College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
3 Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, Scotland
4 Emergency Department, The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh at Little France, Edinburgh, Scotland
Correspondence to:
Correspondence to:
Mr M J G Dunn
Emergency Department, The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh at Little France, 51 Little France Crescent, Old Dalkeith Road, Edinburgh, EH16 4SA, Scotland; dr{at}smithsondunn.demon.co.uk
A literature review of first seizures in adults was performed and a management algorithm was constructed. This review highlights the importance of a thorough history and examination, routine biochemistry and haematology, an electrocardiogram, selected neuroimaging, discharge planning with driving and lifestyle advice, and follow-up in a specialist clinic.
Abbreviations: ACEP, American College of Emergency Physicians; CT, computer tomography; DDA, Disability Discrimination Act; DVLA, Driving and Vehicle Licensing Agency; ED, emergency department; ECG, electrocardiogram; EEG, electroencephalogram; FIRST Group, First Seizure Trial Group; GGT, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase; MCV, mean cell volume; MESS, Medical Research Council Multicentre Study of Early Epliepsy and Single Seizure; MRI, magnetic resonance imaging; SIGN, Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network
Keywords: seizure; guideline; adult; emergency medicine
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Emerg. Med. J. 2005 22: 235.
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- Neuroimaging in adults with an uncomplicated first generalised seizure – CT or MRI
- Eric K Woo
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