Seizures = abnormal electrical activity in the brain Tonic-Clonic (Grand Mal) What it is: Most recognizable seizure type Phases (MEMORIZE) - Tonic phase → stiffening - Clonic phase → rhythmic jerking - Postictal → confusion, fatigue Presentation - Loss of consciousness - Full-body convulsions - Possible incontinence EMS Management - Protect airway - Oxygen - Benzodiazepines (per protocol) - Check glucose NREMT Pearl: Actively seizing = treat immediately Febrile Seizures What it is: Seizures in children caused by rapid rise in fever Presentation - Pediatric patient - Fever present - Generalized seizure Key Point - Usually self-limiting and benign NREMT Pearl: Child + fever + seizure = febrile seizure Absence Seizures (Petit Mal) What it is: Brief interruption in consciousness Presentation - “Staring spells” - No postictal phase - Patient resumes activity immediately NREMT Pearl: Brief stare, no confusion = absence seizure Meningitis What it is: Inflammation of the meninges (often infectious) Transmission - Spread via respiratory droplets Classic Signs & Symptoms (MEMORIZE) - Fever - Headache - Neck stiffness - Altered mental status - Irritability - Possible rash Special Signs Brudzinski’s Sign - Neck flexion → hips and knees flex Kernig’s Sign - Hip flexed → cannot fully extend leg Life Threat: - Can progress rapidly to sepsis and death EMS Management - PPE (droplet precautions) - Oxygen - Rapid transport NREMT Pearl: Fever + stiff neck + altered = meningitis Parkinson’s Disease What it is: Neurodegenerative disorder Key Pathophysiology Low dopamine in the brain Presentation (MEMORIZE) - Tremor (resting) - Rigidity - Bradykinesia (slow movement) - Postural instability NREMT Pearl: Parkinson’s = low dopamine → slow, rigid movement Wernicke Encephalopathy What it is: Neurologic disorder from vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency Common in: - Chronic alcohol use