8 warning signs of a seizure
The brain is the most complex organ in the human body and controls all movements, functions, and responses. It comprises a network of nerves that sends and receives vital signals to the body. However, any abnormal activity in this electrical impulse can trigger seizures. Some people only experience mild seizures, while others develop chronic seizure disorders like epilepsy. Here are the warning signs of a seizure to look out for prevention:
Cognitive symptoms
Minutes before the seizure, one might experience multiple discomforts that affect cognition, for example, confusion and anxiety, starting with a general feeling of uneasiness. Some people also experience headaches and become irritable before a seizure.
Abrupt movements
Uncontrolled movements, like sudden jerking of the arms or legs, are also warning signs of a seizure. A developing seizure will disrupt vital communication signals from the brain that control gross motor skills. One might even experience physical uneasiness that causes the body to become stiff.
No balance
Losing consciousness is also one of the precursors to developing seizures. A person may blackout moments before the seizure kicks in and fall suddenly, having no control over balance or gross motor skills. Falls are commonly associated with severe seizures, but a person might feel dizzy right before the seizure, which affects overall balance and consciousness.
Reduced responses
Not responding promptly to auditory or visual stimuli is also a sign of an imminent seizure. Losing all sense of awareness is a common symptom moments before a seizure occurs.
Emotional changes
Often, patients might experience hallucinations before the event. They may experience emotional changes like anger, sadness, joy, or fear. It is quite possible for someone to rapidly switch from extreme depression to unexplained euphoria right before the seizure happens.
Incontinence
Losing bladder control or control over bowel movements are also unexplained warning signs of a seizure. These are not the clearest warning signs linked only to the development of cognitive problems. But one can lose muscle control due to interrupted brain and body communication.
Weird feeling in the stomach
Healthcare professionals refer to this feeling as having butterflies in the stomach. However, a deep sensation in the stomach is indicative of a stress-induced attack-like seizure. The intensity of this feeling can vary from person to person.
Other complications
Experiencing a sudden bitter taste that’s acidic or metallic, nausea, numbness, or tingling sensations in one or more limbs, and rapid changes in the blood pressure or heart rate are all precursors to developing seizures. Some people might also experience shortness of breath, among other breathing problems, as impaired cognitive functions affect overall body function.
Note that the symptoms will develop at varying stages of intensity, so it is never advisable to prolong consultation with the doctor.
