Start with the symptom

Seizures, passing out, shaking, or moments that are hard to explain.

You may not know whether an episode was a seizure—and you do not need to decide that on your own before seeking an evaluation.

Request an Appointment Call 732-414-8585

Different people use different words

One person may say “I fainted.” Another may describe missing time, waking up confused, suddenly falling, staring, becoming unresponsive, or noticing a part of the body shake. A witness may have seen details the patient did not experience or remember.

Symptoms can overlap

Passing out, tremor, shaking, and altered awareness can have different neurological and non-neurological causes. The purpose of an evaluation is not to assume epilepsy; it is to understand the pattern, context, and history well enough to guide next steps.

What to record after an event

Write down what happened as soon as it is safe to do so. Note what the person was doing, warning sensations, responsiveness, movements, color or breathing changes, the approximate duration, and recovery afterward. A witness account may be especially helpful.

Evaluation may help when

The pattern is new, recurrent, or changing.

Seek prompt medical guidance after a first suspected seizure, unexplained loss of consciousness, repeated episodes, an injury, or a meaningful change in an established condition.

Call 911 when

An event may be an emergency.

Call 911 for a prolonged seizure, repeated seizures without recovery, breathing problems, severe injury, pregnancy, a seizure in water, or any life-threatening situation. Do not use this website form for urgent help.

Do I need to know whether it was a seizure?

No. It is appropriate to describe exactly what happened and what others observed. The clinician’s role is to assess the information rather than expect you to arrive with a diagnosis.

Can a seizure happen without shaking?

Yes. Some seizures involve staring, altered awareness, unusual sensations, confusion, or brief changes in behavior rather than convulsive movements.

Should a witness come to the visit?

If practical, a witness or caregiver may help describe an event, especially when the patient had impaired awareness or cannot recall the full episode.

Can passing out have causes other than epilepsy?

Yes. Many conditions can cause loss of consciousness or near-fainting. A medical evaluation helps determine the appropriate direction; this website cannot identify the cause.

A clear next step

Bring what you noticed. A diagnosis can come later.

The practice welcomes questions about unexplained events and sees children, teens, adults, and older adults.

Request an Appointment Patients of All Ages

Symptoms worth discussing

Seizures, passing out, near-fainting, tremors, and shaking are not the only reasons to seek a neurological evaluation. You can also bring concerns about inattention, staring events, clumsiness, unexplained memory decline, and nighttime (sleeping) events.

Seizures Passing out Near-fainting Staring events Inattention Altered awareness Tremors Shaking Clumsiness Unexplained memory decline Nighttime (sleeping) events Unexplained symptoms Known epilepsy

These symptoms can have different causes and do not, by themselves, mean someone has epilepsy. Sudden severe symptoms or a life-threatening event need emergency care.