title: Counselling adults who experience a first seizure.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  A first seizure can result in significant uncertainty, fear and apprehension. One of the key roles of the clinician in the setting of first seizure is to provide accurate, timely information and counselling.
  
  
  METHODS
  We review the numerous components to be considered when counselling an adult patient after a first seizure.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We provide a framework and manner to provide that counselling. We focus on an individualized approach and provide recommendations and information on issues of diagnosis, etiology, prognosis, the role and importance of medical testing, lifestyle considerations, driving, medication and other key counselling considerations.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Accurate, timely counselling can allay fears and anxieties, remove misconceptions and reduce the risk for injury in seizure recurrence.
authors.affiliation: Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre, Room 4706, Halifax Infirmary Site, 1796 Summer Street, Halifax, NS B3H 3A7, Canada. Electronic address: karen.legg@nshealth.ca.
authors.forename: Karen T
authors.initials: KT
authors.lastname: Legg
authors.affiliation: Austin Hospital, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia. Electronic address: mark.newton@austin.org.au.
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Newton
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001334:Automobile Driving; D003376:Counseling; D004569:Electroencephalography; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D059906:Neuroimaging; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011379:Prognosis; D012640:Seizures / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants
keywords: Adult; Counselling; First seizure; Self-management