Seizures can be frightening and disruptive, affecting individuals of all ages. Recognizing the early warning signs of a seizure is crucial for prompt intervention and ensuring the safety and well-being of those experiencing them. While seizures manifest differently from person to person, there are common indicators that can help identify an impending episode. By understanding these signs, one can be better prepared to recognize and assist someone in need, promoting a safer and more supportive environment.

Aura
This is the most common sign of a seizure. An aura usually happens before the seizure occurs. Auras can be experienced in multiple forms, including unusual taste, smell, visual disturbances, or even as a déjà vu. Auras are hard to take note of as they are only present for a few seconds before the seizure occurs. It is often considered to be the first sign of an impending seizure. Therefore, it is important to learn to understand and recognize the aura experienced by the individual, as it can serve as an indicator of an upcoming seizure.

Emotional changes
People who experience seizures may sometimes experience abrupt or sudden changes in their moods or emotions. It is notable in the sudden eruption of anxiousness, agitation, or irritability in the patient for no apparent reason. The changes can range from minor to significant shifts in mood. People may even experience a wave of fear or sadness that is disproportionate to the situation being dealt with. This shift in emotions can often act as an indicator for patients and their families of the upcoming seizure and give them time to prepare for it.

Altered sensations
Some patients have also noted a change in their sensations before a seizure occurs. This alteration in their sensations can occur in the form of a tingling sensation in their body. Or it could be numbness spreading down their limbs. Some patients also complained about feeling weak or heavy. These unusual sensations anywhere in the body serve as a warning to take precautionary measures. It allows patients and their caregivers to try and reduce the risk of an impending seizure.

Unusual tastes and smells
Some types of seizures can lead to olfactory hallucinations in patients. These hallucinations can lead to their perception of unpleasant or strange smells. These smells are also known as phantosmia, or phantom smells and can include olfactory hallucinations of rotting food, chemicals, burning rubber, and more. Some patients also complain about experiencing strange tastes like bitter or metallic taste sensations. The presence of these gustatory sensations might serve as a timely indicator that a seizure is about to take place.

Visual disturbances
Another warning sign of seizure is the presence of visual disturbances in patients. These disturbances can be experienced as distorted or blurry vision, flashes of light, temporary loss of vision, or tunnel vision. If patients often experience these disturbances, they must discuss them with their doctors and take the necessary steps. Patients should be mindful of taking the necessary precautions when they suspect such abnormalities.

Jerky body movements
Certain types of seizures are often characterized by behavior and movements of the body that are not often considered normal. These can be a jerking or repetitive movement of the limbs, lip smacking, aimlessly wandering, or facial twitches. Grand Mal seizures are one of the most common types of epileptic seizures that show the presence of this symptom. These convulsions may last from a few seconds to minutes.

Dizziness or lightheadedness
In some individuals, the feeling of lightheadedness or dizziness can often present as a warning for an oncoming seizure. It can also be accompanied by a loss of balance. The loss of coordination can prove risky or dangerous for the patients. Therefore, the patients must find a safe place for themselves that has a lower risk of potential injuries or mishaps.

Fatigue or sleep disturbance
Studies suggest that poor sleep or disturbance in the sleep schedule can also lead to seizures in patients. Similarly, fatigue also serves as a trigger for the condition. On the other hand, patients might even experience excessive fatigue, disturbed sleep, or difficulty falling asleep as an indicator of an oncoming seizure. It is important to maintain healthy sleeping habits and not tire oneself to avoid any epileptic episodes. Managing fatigue is instrumental in reducing the intensity and frequency of seizures.

Loss of bladder and bowel control
This symptom is more common in children that live with epilepsy as opposed to adults. However, it is still prevalent in grown-ups. Bladder and bowel control loss should be taken seriously in patients with seizures. It can precede an upcoming epileptic episode and might only be early enough to warn the patient of what is to come.

Muscle stiffness
Muscle stiffness is another common warning sign of seizures in patients. It can lead to patients experiencing soreness and rigidity in muscles. It is a common symptom among patients experiencing tonic-clonic seizures, also known as grand mal seizures. This sudden onset of rigidity of muscles might even cause the patients to lose their balance and fall to the ground.

While taking note of the possible warning signs of seizures, it is also important to know which symptom is associated with various types of seizures. At times, patients might be dealing with seizure clusters, also known as acute repetitive seizures. These are diagnosed when the patient suffers from multiple bouts of seizures within 24 hours. Seizure clusters can prove to be more challenging to deal with and treat than isolated seizures.

It is crucial to recognize the signs and symptoms of seizure clusters in order to seek proper treatment. Patients, at times, might even experience warnings such as increased frequency or intensity of seizures preceding the occurrence of seizure clusters. To be able to treat seizure clusters and get timely attention, it is important that patients and caregivers work in close contact with their healthcare providers. The doctor might want to adjust the patient’s treatment regime, implement rescue protocol, and even ensure a safe environment for the patient.