How can you identify a person having a seizure?

Prepare for the American Heart Association First Aid Test. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations. Get exam ready!

Identifying a person having a seizure is primarily based on distinct physical symptoms and the observable behavior during and after the event. Uncontrolled jerking movements are a classic indicator of a seizure, particularly during convulsive episodes where the person experiences muscle spasms and loss of motor control. Additionally, loss of consciousness typically accompanies generalized seizures, where the individual may not respond to stimuli and appears unresponsive.

Postictal confusion, which is the state of disorientation and confusion a person may experience after a seizure, can also serve as a key indicator. This confusion can vary in duration and can help distinguish a seizure from other medical conditions, as it’s particularly characteristic of seizure activity.

The other options present symptoms associated with different medical conditions. Rapid breathing and pale skin can indicate various issues such as anxiety or respiratory distress, while excessive sweating and trembling hands could be signs of hypoglycemia or panic attacks. Severe headache and blurred vision might suggest migraines or other neurological issues, not specifically a seizure. Thus, the combination of jerking movements, loss of consciousness, and post-seizure confusion distinctly points to seizure activity.

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