What to Observe and Record During a Seizure
PURPOSE:
To classify seizure type (partial, generalized, hysterical) by documenting the seizure pattern.
1. Observe
a. Onset - focal or symmetric
b. Eyes and head and pupil size
c. Extremities - tonic or clonic
d. Speech arrest
e. Automatisms
f. Incontinence
2. Test
a. Mental status
i. Memory - nursery rhyme: 1, 2, buckle my shoe . . .
show an object
ii. Comprehension - 1, 2, and 3 step commands
iii. Orientation - ask name, place and date
b. Motor
i. Tone - passively move limbs
ii. Symmetry - ask patient to extend both arms
iii. Control - drop patient's arm on his face
c. Sensory - test withdrawal to pain
d. Reflexes - biceps, knee and plantar