Spotting the Red Flags
Seizures occur when there is abnormal electrical activity in the brain, leading to changes in behavior, movements and sometimes consciousness.
Warning Signs of Seizures
Aura Sensations
One of the most distinctive warning signs of an impending seizure is the presence of an "aura." This is a set of sensory experiences that people with epilepsy or seizure disorders may feel before a seizure starts. Symptoms of an aura can be subtle, so it’s important to know what you’re looking for. Auras can include:
- Strange smells or tastes.
- Flashing lights or blurred vision.
- Sudden feelings of fear or déjà vu.
Numbness or tingling in parts of the body
While auras can be anxiety-inducing for the people experiencing them, in some ways, they’re helpful. They can act as an early warning sign, giving the individual time to prepare for the seizure, get themselves in a safe space or ask for help.
Sudden Confusion or Memory Loss
Before a seizure, many individuals may experience confusion or sudden forgetfulness. This can include difficulty remembering where they are, what they were doing or trouble following a conversation.This confusion can range from mild to severe, depending on the type of seizure. While these lapses in memory can be upsetting, they usually don’t last very long.
Tingling or Numbness
Tingling or numbness in different parts of the body can serve as a tell-tale sign of an upcoming seizure. This sensation is often described as "pins and needles" and can affect the hands, feet or face. In more severe cases, it can progress to a full loss of sensation or paralysis in one part of the body during the seizure itself.
Sudden Jerking Movements
Some individuals may experience small, uncontrolled jerking movements before a seizure. These can occur in one part of the body, such as the arms or legs and are usually relatively subtle. In more severe cases, these jerking movements can escalate into more pronounced movements during the seizure itself.
Dizziness or Lightheadedness
A person may feel unusually lightheaded or dizzy just before a seizure begins. This can be accompanied by a sort of "floating" sensation or feeling disconnected from the body. The dizziness may be brief but could precede more noticeable physical symptoms of a seizure.
Staring or Spacing Out
A seizure may be preceded by episodes of staring or zoning out, where the individual becomes unresponsive for a short period. This behavior may look like daydreaming or "spacing out," but it often comes with a complete lack of awareness of one's surroundings. These episodes can last from a few seconds to a couple of minutes and may be one of the more subtle warning signs.
Changes in Vision
Some people report changes in their vision before a seizure, such as seeing bright lights, spots or patterns. This can also include a narrowing of vision or temporary blindness. It is important to note that these changes in vision are different from the aforementioned auras that some people experience. These signs often accompany other warning signs and can help the person anticipate the seizure's onset.
Headaches or Migraines
Headaches or migraines can be tricky ones, as oftentimes people write them off as just regular irritations that aren't related to seizures. But it’s important not to dismiss these symptoms as being signs of an oncoming seizure. These headaches or migraines can range from mild to severe and may come on suddenly.
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