Seizure Emergencies (Clinical lunch chat held on 30 September 2025)

Learning objectives:

You will learn how to

• Differentiate between seizures and epilepsy by applying the definition of epilepsy (two unprovoked seizures occurring more than 24 hours apart).
• Recognise when anti-epileptic treatment is not indicated following a first generalised tonic-clonic seizure without high-risk features.
• Identify the diagnostic threshold for status epilepticus and apply the 5-minute definition in acute care scenarios.
• Outline the immediate first-line management of status epilepticus, with emphasis on the timely administration of benzodiazepines.
• Evaluate when it is appropriate to consider discontinuing anti-epileptic therapy, balancing seizure-free duration, underlying risk factors, and patient counselling needs.