Reasonable Hypothesis SOP [1] | 37 of 2022 |
Balance of Probabilities SOP [2] | 38 of 2022 |
SOP Bulletin 230 [3]
An (epileptic) seizure is a temporary event in which there is uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain, which may produce a range of manifestations including physical convulsion, loss of consciousness, minor physical signs, and thought disturbances.
Diagnosis is normally based on specialist opinion and imaging of the brain is usually undertaken. Appropriate other investigations in the circumstances of the case will be undertaken to look for underlying pathology and identify whether there has been a precipitating cause.
There is a separate SOP for epilepsy. The epilepsy SOP applies if there have been at least two seizures, more than 24 hours apart and not due to an acute (short term) precipitating cause, such as a low blood sugar level, high blood calcium level or acute brain hypoxia (decreased oxygen supply) at the time of the seizure.
The (epileptic) seizure SOP applies if:
Both SOPs may apply in the one case:
The appropriate medical specialist is a neurologist.
* another SOP applies
# nonSOP condition
Clinical onset will be when the seizure event occurred. A clear history of the event may not be available.
The only SOP worsening factor is for inability to obtain appropriate clinical management. Most seizures resolve within a few minutes, before medical attention can be given. Prolonged seizures may require treament with antiseizure drugs. Other management measures may be directed at identifying and treating underlying triggers.
Links
[1] http://www.rma.gov.au/assets/SOP/2022/1ad723499c/037.pdf
[2] http://www.rma.gov.au/assets/SOP/2022/6aaa6b82d3/038.pdf
[3] https://clik.dva.gov.au/system/files/media/SOP%20Bulletin%20230.pdf