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Consult: Neurology for New Seizure

Call the on-call neurology resident about an elderly patient with a first-time seizure, focusing on a precise description of the event.

  1. 1
    Briefing
  2. 2
    Simulation
  3. 3
    Feedback

How This Works

This is an interactive phone call simulation. You'll speak with Dr. Amin in a realistic clinical communication scenario.

1. Start Call

Click "Start Call" when you're ready. Speak naturally as you would on a real call.

2. Have the Conversation

10 minutes to complete the call. The AI responds in real-time to what you say.

3. Get Feedback

End the call when finished. You'll receive AI-powered feedback on your communication.

💡 Tip: Speak clearly and at a natural pace. If you need a moment to think, it's okay to pause briefly - just as you would in a real conversation.

Briefing Details

Consult Briefing

Your Objective

You are the hospitalist caring for an elderly patient who had a first-time seizure. Your goal is to call the on-call neurology resident, Dr. Amin, to discuss the workup and management. Neurologists care deeply about the specific details (semiology) of the event. Be prepared to describe it precisely.

Patient: George Miller, 78M

  • Room: 1010
  • Code Status: Full Code

Case Summary & Data

History: 78M with a history of hypertension was admitted for a UTI. This morning, the nurse witnessed him have a generalized tonic-clonic seizure lasting approximately 90 seconds. He was incontinent of urine. He was post-ictal (confused and sleepy) for about 45 minutes afterward.

Pertinent Exam/Vitals:

  • Vitals are stable.
  • Exam: He is now back to his baseline mental status, though he is very tired and has no memory of the event. His neurologic exam is non-focal.

Initial Workup:

  • Labs: His electrolytes, glucose, and calcium are all normal. WBC is elevated from his UTI.
  • Imaging: A non-contrast head CT was done and showed no acute bleed, but did show age-related atrophy.

The Clinical Question

You have a patient with a new seizure in the setting of a systemic infection. The initial workup is negative for an obvious intracranial cause.

Your "Ask": Your specific question for the neurology resident is: "I have a patient with a first-time seizure. I'd like your help with the workup and recommendations on whether to start an anti-epileptic medication now, or to wait for further testing like an EEG."

Learning Objectives

Optional prep details

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Optional Pre-Call Knowledge Check

Optional self-check before you start

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After completing this scenario, you will be able to:

  • Synthesize key clinical information about a new-onset seizure into a concise and precise oral presentation for a neurology consultant.
  • Structure a consultation call using the SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) framework.
  • Anticipate and prepare answers for key questions a neurologist would ask about a new-onset seizure, particularly regarding seizure semiology.

When consulting neurology for a new-onset seizure, which of the following is the MOST critical piece of information to convey?

For an elderly patient with a first-time seizure, which initial diagnostic step is essential to rule out acute intracranial pathology?

In the SBAR framework for this consultation, which component would include your specific ask, such as 'I would like your recommendations for initiating an anti-epileptic medication'?

You are gathering information to describe the seizure to the neurologist. Which set of details best captures the essential components of seizure semiology?