What’s Actually Happening During a Seizure
Before the seizure:
Some people experience an “aura” before a seizure, which can be a warning sign in the form of unusual sensations, smells, or feelings.
During the seizure:
The specific symptoms vary depending on the type of seizure. Here are some general categories:Generalized seizures: These affect both sides of the brain and can cause loss of consciousness, jerking movements of the arms and legs, stiffening of the body, breathing problems, and loss of bladder or bowel control.
Focal seizures: These affect only one area of the brain and can cause symptoms like muscle jerking, numbness, tingling, changes in vision, hearing, or smell, strange feelings or emotions, and deja vu.
The duration of a seizure can range from a few seconds to several minutes.
After the seizure:
After a seizure, the person may be confused, disoriented, or sleepy. They may also have a headache or muscle aches.
Depending on the severity and type of seizure, there may be short-term memory problems or other temporary effects.
Here are some important things to keep in mind:
Not everyone who experiences a seizure has epilepsy. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures.
If you witness someone having a seizure:Stay calm and call for help if needed.
Do not restrain the person or put anything in their mouth.
Time the seizure and note any important details.
Stay with the person until help arrives.
If you have any concerns about seizures, please talk to a doctor or healthcare professional. They can help you understand what to expect and provide guidance on how to manage seizures safely.
Here are some helpful resources:
Epilepsy Foundation: [https://www.epilepsy.com/]
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: [[invalid URL removed]]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: [https://www.cdc.gov/epilepsy/index.htm]