How to video a seizure

Guidance on how to video a seizure

One of the ways that neurologists, or Epilepsy specialists, are able to diagnose functional seizures is to see a seizure as it happens.

Safety always comes first. If someone is having a seizure, their safety and wellbeing should always be the priority. Filming should only be considered if it is safe to do so and does not delay or interfere with providing appropriate support.

One of the ways that neurologists or epilepsy specialists are able to diagnose functional seizures is by seeing a seizure as it happens.

Unfortunately, seizures rarely occur on schedule in a clinical setting. For this reason, people are often asked to capture a seizure on video where possible.

The guidance below can help you record a seizure in a way that provides useful information for clinicians.

Decide who is to be your video buddy. It needs to be someone who is with you as much of the time as possible, so a partner, family member or friend is best. Preferably choose someone who is calm and can be relied on not to panic.
It's most likely that your video buddy will be using their mobile phone, so make sure they keep it charged and ready to go.
Try and capture the attack from the very start. This means that if you have an aura or warning, get your video buddy to start filming straight away rather than wait for the seizure to occur.
Turn off the TV, radio or any other background noise.
Try and get clear, close up shots of the face but don't just focus there. Show all parts of the body that are affected e.g. shaking arms, legs etc.
If you have different types of seizures, make sure you try to film them all. Also, if your seizures have changed over time, try and have a series of videos that shows the changes.
The more good quality video you can show the clinician, the easier it is for them to use towards making a diagnosis. Your video buddy may feel mean standing about filming you rather than helping, so it's important to discuss with them why they are doing it.
In addition to videoing, it would also be helpful to make a note of possible triggers, whether you had an aura or they happened suddenly, and times of the day they occurred.

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