Witnessing a seizure can be stressful and it is easy to forget some of the details. It is important that anyone who witnesses a seizure writes down, on a witnessing a seizure form as soon as possible, a detailed description of what happened before, during and after the seizure. It is best to describe what you saw rather than trying to categorise it and risk missing out important information.
An accurate eyewitness account of what happened before, during and after a seizure should be given to the parents to pass on to the young person’s medical/healthcare team. This information will assist doctors in making a correct diagnosis, help in recognising patterns and changes in the young person’s condition, and inform ongoing management and treatment. Where possible, it is important that anyone involved in the care of the young person, records their observations every time the young person has a seizure. Any changes in their seizures or treatment plan should be recorded on the young person’s Individual Healthcare Plan (IHP).
