The management of acute seizures in Naval Service personnel

J R Nav Med Serv. 2015;101(2):167-76.

Abstract

Seizures are a relatively common Emergency Department (ED) presentation among young adult populations, considered for the purpose of this report as being aged 15-59. Due to the varied aetiologies involved, understanding of the potential causes and their presentation is key to managing these patients. Although seizure incidence within the United Kingdom (UK) Armed Forces population is generally low, it is not negligible. Therefore, awareness of the initial management is required by all those involved in patient care from the Medical Assistant (MA) at the Role 1 facility, through to the senior doctors at Role 3 establishments. All management should be in line with the Clinical Guidelines for Operations (CGOs) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) principles, with resuscitation, seizure control and patient stabilisation taking precedence initially. Ultimately, the use of laboratory testing and imaging at a Role 3 setting will be required to accurately confirm a diagnosis. Information obtained during these assessments may serve to assist the Naval Service Medical Board of Survey (NSMBOS) in determining suitability for continued Service retention and employment.

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Military Personnel*
  • Seizures / diagnosis*
  • Seizures / etiology
  • Seizures / therapy*
  • Young Adult