
Grand Rounds: The Argument for a More Patient Attitude Toward a Single Unprovoked Seizure
Diagnosing and treating a patient following a single unprovoked seizure is complex. A comprehensive history is essential to distinguish true epileptic seizures from mimics and to confirm whether the episode is indeed the first. Patients without identifiable risk factors have a low likelihood of developing epilepsy, and in cases with mild risks, such as incidental imaging findings, deferring treatment until a second seizure may be appropriate. For those with a significant risk of recurrence, early diagnosis and initiation of anti-seizure medication (ASM) may be warranted. However, evidence suggests that immediate treatment does not alter long-term epilepsy outcomes.
Target Audience
- Physicians
- Physicians Assistants
- Advanced Practice Nurses
- Registered Nurses
- Licensed Practical Nurses
Learning Objectives
Learners will be able to,
- Identify the clinical criteria for diagnosing epilepsy in patients presenting with a single unprovoked seizure.
- Evaluate the risks and benefits of treating such patients as if they have epilepsy.
- Discuss current evidence and guidelines regarding the management of a first unprovoked seizure.
- Develop individualized treatment plans that incorporate patient-specific risk factors and preferences.
Anteneh Feyissa, M.D.
Debra Chionis, MS, ACE-MES, ACSM-CEP
Robert Fishman, MD
Caitlyn Boyd, MHA, MSN, RN, CPHQ, CPAHA-Telestroke
Muhammad Saeed, Bcom
Available Credit
- 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
TeleSpecialists is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
TeleSpecialists designates this Enduring activity for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
- 1.00 Nursing Contact HoursThis nursing continuing professional development activity was approved by the Emergency Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.