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.
Course summary
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 Hours
    This 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.
Course opens: 
05/28/2025
Course expires: 
06/09/2026
Rating: 
0
Speaker(s)

Anteneh Feyissa, M.D.

has no relevant financial relationships to disclose at this time.
Moderator(s)

Debra Chionis, MS, ACE-MES, ACSM-CEP

has no relevant financial relationships to disclose at this time.
Peer Reviewer(s)

Robert Fishman, MD

has no relevant financial relationships to disclose at this time.
Planner(s)

Caitlyn Boyd, MHA, MSN, RN, CPHQ, CPAHA-Telestroke

has no relevant financial relationships to disclose at this time.

Muhammad Saeed, Bcom

has no relevant financial relationships to disclose at this time.

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 Hours
    This 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.
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