Learn about neurological symptoms and when to seek care. A healthcare professional can help determine the right assessment for your circumstances.
Seizures and epilepsy
A seizure is a sudden episode related to abnormal electrical activity in the brain. It can cause shaking, changes in awareness or behavior, or other symptoms. Epilepsy is a condition involving a tendency to have recurrent seizures; one seizure does not always mean epilepsy. A clinician may consider an EEG alongside the person’s history and other assessments.
If someone is having a seizure, protect them from injury, time the event and stay with them. Do not restrain them or put anything in their mouth. When movements stop, place them on their side if appropriate. Call local emergency services for a first seizure, a seizure lasting five minutes or longer, repeated seizures without recovery, breathing difficulty, serious injury, or other urgent concern.
Read the full guide to seizures and epilepsy
Unexplained blackouts and fainting
Fainting is a brief loss of consciousness that can have several causes, including changes in blood pressure, dehydration or heart conditions. Not every blackout is a seizure. A healthcare professional can assess what happened before, during and after the event and decide which investigations are appropriate.
Seek emergency help if the person is not breathing normally, does not recover promptly, has chest pain or palpitations, difficulty speaking or moving, or is seriously injured. An episode during exercise also requires urgent assessment.
Brain injuries and concussions
A concussion is a type of brain injury that can occur after a blow or jolt to the head or body. Headache, dizziness, confusion, memory difficulties and sensitivity to light may occur; some symptoms appear later. Seek medical assessment after a suspected concussion and follow a clinician’s instructions on recovery and return to activity.
Seek emergency care after a head injury for worsening headache, repeated vomiting, increasing confusion, difficulty waking, weakness, a seizure or other concerning symptoms.
Neurological symptoms after a car accident
A collision may cause a head injury even without a direct blow to the head. Headache, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, confusion or changes in memory should be discussed with a healthcare professional. Serious symptoms may appear later. Emergency care is needed for the danger signs described above.
An EEG is not routinely needed for every person after an accident. A clinician chooses assessments based on the injury and symptoms.
Headaches and neurological symptoms
Headaches have many possible causes. Keep track of when a headache began, its pattern, associated symptoms and any recent injury, and discuss persistent or changing symptoms with a healthcare professional.
Seek emergency care for a sudden, extremely severe headache; a headache with new weakness, speech difficulty, confusion or a seizure; or a concerning headache after a head injury. An EEG is not automatically needed for headaches.
Seizures and staring spells in children
Some seizures involve brief staring and reduced awareness, but children may stare for many reasons. If you notice repeated episodes, speak with your child’s doctor. Note the duration, what happened before and after, and whether your child responded. A safe recording may help the clinician if appropriate.
Seek urgent help for a first suspected seizure, breathing difficulty, injury, a seizure lasting five minutes or longer, or repeated episodes without recovery.
Developmental delays in children
Children develop at different rates. If you are concerned about speech, movement, learning or social development, talk with your child’s healthcare professional and ask about developmental screening. Discuss any loss of previously acquired skills promptly. Possible assessments depend on the child’s history and examination; not every child needs EEG or genetic testing.
Genetic disorders and inherited conditions
Some conditions have a genetic cause or contribution. A healthcare professional may consider genetic testing when a person’s symptoms or family history suggest it could be helpful. Results can be positive, negative or uncertain, and may not provide a complete answer. Discuss potential benefits, limitations, privacy and family implications with a qualified professional before testing.
Educational disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Do not use it to diagnose a condition or delay seeking care. In an emergency, contact local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department. Nyota Tano’s website enquiry forms are not an emergency service.
Learn about diagnostic services
Read about EEG monitoring, genetic testing and virtual consultations in Barbados. Availability and eligibility vary; a healthcare professional can advise whether a service is appropriate.