Warning Signs of a Seizure

What Is a Seizure?

Seizures are sudden, uncontrollable surges of electrical activity in the brain. When an individual experiences a seizure, the brain cells send abnormal signals to each other, which causes a surge of electrical activity. This overload can lead to a wide range of symptoms, including muscle movements and unconsciousness.

Everyone can experience a seizure at some point, but people with chronic seizures usually have epilepsy. Seizures can be frightening, especially when the person experiences them for the first time. Fortunately, many people with regular seizures learn to recognise the specific signs that precede these incidents and take necessary safety measures.

At Leaf Complex Care, we provide compassionate support for people with seizures in the comfort of their own homes, helping individuals thrive in their communities and lives.

Symptoms of a Seizure

Seizures can cause a wide range of symptoms. It’s important to be able to identify them in order to provide proactive support.

Common symptoms of a seizure include the following:

Sudden limb movements (such as spasms, twitches, or jerks)
Body stiffening and tension
Rapid eye blinking
Staring
A sudden fall and loss of consciousness
Breathing disruptions

Appearing confused
Loss of consciousness
Loss of bladder or bowel control
Visible confusion
Rhythmic head nodding
Unresponsiveness to words and sounds

What Causes a Seizure?

There are various possible causes of a seizure, including long-term health challenges and specific physical incidents. Some people with regular seizures have particular triggers (such as flashing lights) that can start a seizure, while others experience them abruptly.

Below are listed the most common causes of a seizure:

Epilepsy
Stroke
Brain tumours
Brain infections (such as meningitis)
Head injuries
Congenital brain damage
Drug or alcohol abuse
Lack of sleep
Extreme stress
Extremely low or high blood sugar levels

Stages of a Seizure

Seizures may differ for every individual, but they share some common traits and patterns of symptoms. It is vital for family members and support workers to know how to support the individual in each stage of the seizure.

In order to understand seizures better, experts divide them into four main stages:

Warning Signs of an Incoming Seizure

Many individuals with epilepsy and other challenges leading to seizures experience warning signs. The lead-up period that includes signs is known as the prodrome stage, but some people with focal seizures also experience what is defined as an aura. The behaviours and sensations in these phases indicate that the person is about to have a seizure and needs immediate assistance.

Prodrome Stage

Some individuals might have particular sensations, emotions, and behavioural changes several hours or even days before a seizure.

These indications are usually not considered part of the seizure but rather signs that warn the person and those around them that a seizure may happen. Not everyone has warning signs before their seizures, but those who do should avoid stress.

Common symptoms of the prodrome stage include the following:

Mood swings or low mood
A significant feeling of fatigue
Sleep disturbances
Increased anxiety
Tremors
Difficulty maintaining focus
Confusion and disorganised thinking

Aura Stage

The aura stage constitutes the first symptoms that are viewed as part of the seizure. In this stage, the person may go through cognitive, emotional, sensory, or behavioural changes. Below are listed some of the common signs people experience during the aura stage:

Headaches
Light-headedness
Numbness or tingling
Bitter taste
Nausea
Vision loss
Hallucinations
Digestive issues
Detachment from reality
Intense feeling of déjà vu

Active Seizure - Ictal Stage

The middle, active phase of a seizure is known as the ictal stage. It covers the time from the first sign to the end of the seizure. The intense surge of electrical activity in the brain occurs during the ictal stage.

The ictal stage includes the following symptoms:

Repeated movements (such as chewing or lip-smacking)
Uncontrollable muscle movements (twitching, jerking)
Confusion
Memory lapse
Loss of awareness
Sensory issues (difficulty hearing or sensing odd sounds, smells, and tastes)
Impaired speech
Difficulty breathing
Drooling
Increased heart rate
Body convulsions

After Seizure- Post-Ictal Stage

The post-ictal stage is the final phase following the active part of the seizure. It covers the time of recovery from the physical and emotional effects of the seizure. The duration of the post-ictal stage depends on the type of seizure and the impact on the affected brain area. Before returning to their usual self, the person may experience the following:

What Can You Do if You Think You’re About to Have a Seizure?

If you experience familiar symptoms that indicate a seizure is about to occur, maximising your safety is the highest priority.

In case of an incoming seizure, you should avoid potentially dangerous physical activities like driving, climbing, or swimming. In addition to that, stay away from your cooking stove and any other source of open flames. It is best to sit or lie down before the seizure starts to prevent possible falls and injuries.

If you are a parent or there are any children around you, prepare them for the situation and call another trustworthy adult. Furthermore, if your seizures lead to confusion and wandering, make sure the doors in your house are locked.

Can an Incoming Seizure Be Predicted?

Most people with epilepsy or other seizure-inducing challenges, as well as their loved ones, will eventually become familiar with their warning signs. If you recognise signs that indicate the imminent start of a seizure in someone else (such as sudden confusion, difficulty breathing or shaking), you can take measures to keep them safe.

As a person with regular seizures, you should be in a safe place when an incident begins and alert those around you. It is advisable to keep track of the triggers, duration, and frequency of your seizures in a seizure diary. For further expert advice, make sure to share this information with your doctor and create a seizure action plan in accordance with their advice.

What to Do During and After Someone Has a Seizure?

Timely awareness of the warning signs can give you extra time to provide a safe environment for yourself or a loved one who is about to have a seizure. This is the first step towards overcoming a seizure. There are several other safety measures you can take to handle this delicate situation.

If you witness someone having a seizure, you should stay with them throughout the seizure and measure its duration. The first thing to do is prevent choking by rolling the person onto their side so that saliva or vomit can drain from their mouth. You should write down when the seizure started and when it stopped. Seizures that last over five minutes, or first-time seizures, require medical attention.

After the seizure, create a comfortable environment for the person to recover from its physical and emotional effects. If they experience confusion or short-term memory loss, explain the situation to them in a way that makes them feel safe. Make sure they are hydrated and well-rested while any possible injury is properly treated.

When Does an Epilepsy Seizure Become a Medical Urgency?

People diagnosed with epilepsy or another neurological difference that causes frequent seizures don’t always need medical care for their episodes. Self-imposed safety precautions are sufficient in case of less severe seizures that don’t affect your vital functions.

However, you should call emergency services in the case of:

Feeling Safe with Leaf Complex Care Epilepsy Support and Care

At Leaf Complex Care, we strive to reimagine the approach to seizure support and create a better world for people with seizures. Our impact-driven support workers deliver proactive and compassionate care to the individuals we serve.

The Leaf team provides person-centred care for children and adults with seizures in their own homes. This way, you can receive the assistance you need while staying close to your loved ones. Our trained support workers provide a safe environment for individuals with epilepsy while prioritising their independence, privacy, and personal boundaries.

If you are searching for a quality care provider for yourself or a loved one with seizures, Leaf Complex Care is the right choice for you. We offer CQC-regulated epilepsy care services in Bristol, Somerset, South East, and the Midlands.