Seizures can be terrifying, both for the person who experiences them and for those who witness them.  Seizures occur in many different forms and can be difficult to identify.  Knowing the common signs of having a seizure can help you to recognize seizure in yourself or friends and family.

Types of Seizures

Seizures are the result of abnormal electrical activity in the brain.  There are a number of factors that can cause seizures, some of which are still unknown.  Furthermore, not all seizures are the same.  In fact, the specific symptoms of a seizure can help medical professionals to diagnose the type of seizure you experienced.  There are two primary types of seizures:

• Primary Generalized Seizures – These seizures occur when the excess electrical activity occurs in both sides of the brain at once.  Often, there is a genetic aspect to these types of seizures.
• Focal or Partial Seizures – Partial seizures only occur in a group of cells or on one side of the brain and can be caused by a number of issues including injury, tumor, or a stroke.

Common Signs of Having a Seizure

The signs and symptoms of a having a seizure vary by type of seizure and from individual to individual.  There are three phases to a seizure, however, not all individuals will experience all three phases or be able to recognize them for what they are.

Phase One – The Aura

Some sufferers of seizures can tell that a seizure is coming, at times days in advance.  Some individuals experience a Prodome – a change in emotions or behavior prior to the seizure.  These indications may happen days before the onset of the seizure.  When this happens, sufferers can take steps by taking their medication and being in a safe place to avoid injury during the seizure.

Symptoms experienced during this phase include:

• Vision changes or blurring
• Thoughts that race
• Experiencing Déjà vu
• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
• Headache
• Numbness or tingling in the extremities

Phase Two – The Ictal Phase

The middle phase is also known as the ictal phase.  It is during this phase that the seizure actually occurs.  The symptoms of phase two include:

• Motor symptoms that can be classified as
  • Clonic: rhythmic jerking of the body
  • Tonic: muscle rigidity or tension
  • Atonic: muscle weakness or limpness
  • Myoclonus: brief muscular twitches
  • Epileptic Spasms: involuntary flexing or extension of the muscles
• Non-motor symptoms such as
  • Blacking out
  • Feeling confused or out of it
  • Memory loss
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Loss of hearing
  • Vision issues including loss of vision, blurred vision, and seeing flashing lights
  • Smelling unfamiliar smells
  • Hallucinations
  • Sweating

Phase Three – Postictal State

There are often lingering symptoms after a seizure is over. Some individuals recover rather quickly while others take some time.  Symptoms of the third phase of the seizure include:

• Being sleepy or tired
• Confusion
• Feeling embarrassed
• Headache
• Thirst

If you believe you or a loved one have some of the common signs of seizures it is important to be seen by a medical professional immediately. The staff at NY Neurology Associates includes a team of doctors who work with each patient to understand their specific neurological needs and design a treatment plan. If you would like to schedule an appointment or check for availability, book online or call (332) 255-5726.

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