Question

C.S. is a 20-year-old college student, who was brought to the Emergency Room by his football coach. The patient had been practicing on a hot afternoon when he fell to the ground and appeared to lose consciousness. His body stiffened with arms and legs extended. He let out a shrill cry and stopped breathing for about 15 seconds. The coach removed his football helmet just before C.S. went into a series of rhythmic muscle contractions; his face was contorted. Suddenly, the jerking movements began to ease and stopped. The whole episode lasted about 5 minutes. C.S. was confused when he awoke with no recall of the episode. Later in the Emergency Room he was still unable to remember the episode and reported that his first memory was that of finding himself flat on the ground.

What does this information tell you?

What general assessment and diagnostic procedures should be performed in the ER?

Answer 1

C.S. is having tonic clonic seizure. Assessment: patient history, physical examination, mental status examination, neurological examination. Laboratory tests: blood counts, blood glucose levels, electrolyte levels, calcium levels, arterial blood gas analysis, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, electrocardiography and electroencephalography.