Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Seizures
This article discusses the key signs and symptoms of seizures, including different types such as partial and generalized seizures. It highlights common indicators like body jerks, loss of consciousness, and other physical symptoms. The piece emphasizes the importance of prompt medical assistance for prolonged or severe episodes, providing guidance on when to seek help and clarifying misconceptions about seizures.
Seizures are episodes resulting from abnormal electrical activity in the brain, leading to physical symptoms such as jerking movements or intense shaking. The severity varies from mild to severe, and even mild episodes can indicate underlying health issues. Prompt medical attention is essential when seizures occur.
Categories of Seizures
Generally, seizures are classified into several types:
Non-epileptic seizures — These are caused by injuries, such as a strong blow to the head, and often resolve with treatment. Usually, they do not recur post-treatment.
Partial seizures — Also known as focal or Jacksonian seizures, these happen in individuals with epilepsy and affect only one side of the brain, thus impacting only one side of the body.
Generalized seizures — These involve both sides of the brain simultaneously, causing muscle spasms, blackouts, or falls. They include multiple subtypes such as:
Tonic-clonic (Grand Mal) — Lasts up to 3 minutes, characterized by full-body stiffening, shaking, and loss of consciousness, possibly causing breathing issues or incontinence.
Clonic — Features muscle jerks affecting the face, arms, or neck.
Tonic — Muscle stiffening leading to balance loss and falls, common in epilepsy.
Atonic — Sudden limpness causes falls, lasting about 15 seconds, but may happen repeatedly.
Myoclonic — Sudden muscle jerks that resemble shock-like contractions.
Absence (Petit Mal) — Predominantly in children under 14, with brief blank staring episodes disconnected from surroundings.
Common signs of seizures include:
Stomach discomfort
Sudden fear or unease
Visual disturbances
Dizziness
Body jerking
Unusual sensations
Headaches
Additional signs during a seizure:
Loss of consciousness with confusion
Muscle spasms
Falling down
Frothing or bad taste in mouth
Cheek or tongue biting
Teeth clenching
Uncontrolled eye movements
Incontinence
Sudden mood swings
Audible sounds like grunting
Neonatal seizures in infants under 28 days, with signs like repetitive facial movements, eye movements, staring, unusual limb movements, breathing issues, or quick limb jerks.
What is not a seizure? Certain episodes mimic seizures but stem from other causes, such as daydreaming, fainting, migraines, tics, mood swings, or some muscle jerks.
When to Seek Medical Help — Immediate medical attention is necessary if seizures last over 5 minutes, breathing doesn’t resume afterward, seizures occur in quick succession, are accompanied by high fever, or if injury occurs. Pregnant or diabetic individuals experiencing seizures should also consult a doctor. If seizures are experienced for the first time, professional care is essential.
