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Review
Early management of adults with an uncomplicated first generalised seizure
  1. M J G Dunn1,
  2. D P Breen2,
  3. R J Davenport3,
  4. A J Gray4
  1. 1Emergency Department, The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh at Little France, Edinburgh, Scotland
  2. 2College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
  3. 3Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, Scotland
  4. 4Emergency Department, The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh at Little France, Edinburgh, Scotland
  1. 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; drsmithsondunn.demon.co.uk

Abstract

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.

  • 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
  • seizure
  • guideline
  • adult
  • emergency medicine

https://doi.org/10.1136/emj.2004.015651

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