11 early warning signs of seizures

11 early warning signs of seizures

A seizure is an episode of sudden and uncontrolled electrical activity between brain cells that leads to temporary disruptions in muscle tone or movement. Not all individuals may experience the same symptoms associated with the complication. However, there are symptoms that are more common, which could help individuals identify the onset of a seizure. Here are 11 signs of seizures to help one determine the existence of the disorder and seek immediate healthcare assistance.

Changes in mood
An individual who experiences sudden and unexplained mood or emotional changes may be at risk of a seizure. They could include signs such as fear, intense happiness, or anxiety that may not relate to the ongoing situation.

Trouble concentrating
There are many reasons for lack of concentration, including a poor sleep cycle. But this could also happen because of the onset of seizures. The individual may also have other cognitive restrictions, such as memory lapses and mental fog.

Strange smells
An individual may experience a stage known as aura, an unusual feeling just before a seizure. The occurrence may result in symptoms like strange smells, which might require healthcare intervention. Other signs associated with this stage include flashing lights or a feeling of déjà vu.

Piercing feeling in parts of the body
Before the onset of a seizure, one may spontaneously feel a piercing feeling in some parts of the body. This sensation might be localized to one side of the body. The individual might also experience numbness or tingling in these areas.

Stomach pain
Stomach pain is another common sign of a seizure that might be mistaken for another condition. If one experiences this symptom, they must speak to an expert immediately. Other gastrointestinal signs include nausea and a sense of “butterflies” in the stomach before a seizure occurs.

Headache
One of the most common signs of a seizure is headaches. This might occur before the onset of the neurological phenomenon, and the intensity of the symptom may differ from one person to the next.

Insomnia
Multiple factors may cause insomnia, such as stress, an irregular sleep schedule, and physical illness. One should know that the signs may also occur due to the onset of nocturnal seizures, as it is known to disrupt sleep cycles.

Blurred vision
One of the early warning signs of the neurological occurrence is blurred vision. The visual disturbance may occur before one experiences a seizure. Therefore, one should consult an expert immediately if there are no underlying reasons for their condition.

Urinary incontinence
This condition is characterized by the involuntary loss of bladder control, which makes one want to empty their bladder often. And while there are other reasons for the sign, it may occur just before a seizure. Therefore, one should address urinary incontinence at the earliest to detect and manage potential conditions like seizures.

Uncontrollable muscle movements
Individuals may also suffer from uncontrollable jerking movements of the arms and legs without an underlying known cause. This might be a clear indicator of the onset of seizures and must be diagnosed and treated by an expert at the earliest.

Staring
An individual affected by a seizure might experience symptoms that cause them to blank out or stare into space for a few seconds. They are common in children and are often set off by a period of hyperventilation.