Skip to content
WebMD: Better information. Better health.
 
Other search tools:Symptoms|Doctors|Medical Dictionary

Epilepsy Health Center

Tools & Resources

Select An Article
Font Size
A
A
A

When Should I Call the Doctor About Epilepsy?

If you have epilepsy, it's important to know when you need to call a doctor.

In general, you should call your doctor if any new symptoms occur. You should also call your doctor if you have any side effects from your medication. Side effects vary among the different drugs, but can include:

Recommended Related to Epilepsy

What Is Benign Rolandic Epilepsy?

Benign rolandic epilepsy is one form of epilepsy. With this condition, seizures affect the face and sometimes the body. As a result, the disorder causes problems for some children. It almost always disappears, though, by adolescence.

Read the What Is Benign Rolandic Epilepsy? article > >

  • any abnormal body movements, or problems with coordination.
  • an increase in the number of seizures, or ongoing seizures.
  • loss of seizure control.
  • allergic reactions, including difficulty breathing, itching, hives, and swelling of your face or throat.
  • eye problems, including: blurred or double vision; spots before your eyes; or uncontrolled back-and-forth and/or rolling eye movements.
  • drowsiness.
  • restlessness, excitement, or confusion.
  • nausea or vomiting.
  • rash.
  • hair loss.
  • tremors.
  • blood in the urine or stool, dark-colored urine, or painful or difficult urination.
  • joint, muscle, or bone pain.
  • pain and/or swelling or bluish color in your leg or foot.
  • red, blue, or purple spots on your skin.
  • sores, ulcers, or white spots on your lips.
  • easy bruising.
  • swollen or painful glands.
  • infection.
  • extreme weakness or fatigue.
  • bleeding, tender, or enlarged gums.
  • fast or irregular heartbeat.
  • burning, tingling, pain, or itching, especially in the groin.
  • slurred speech or stuttering.
  • delusions or hallucinations.
  • behavioral, mood, or mental changes such as depression, agitation, or loss of appetite.

If you see someone who is having an epilepsy seizure, you should call an ambulance or 911 if:

  • the seizure lasts more than five minutes.
  • another seizure starts right after the first.
  • the person can't be awakened after the movements have stopped.
  • the person has several seizures and doesn't regain consciousness between them.
  • the person is pregnant or has another condition, such as heart disease or diabetes.
  • the person injures himself or herself during the seizure.
  • the seizure happens in the water, or you think this might be the persons first seizure.

 

WebMD Medical Reference

Reviewed by Jon Glass on September 16, 2009
© 2009 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
Next Article: