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How Do I Know If I Had A Seizure?

September 22, 2023

Topic at a Glance

  • Seizures are caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain and fall into two main types: primary generalized seizures, which involve both sides of the brain, and focal or partial seizures, which affect one area.
  • Some people can sense a seizure coming, sometimes days ahead, with signs like vision changes, racing thoughts, déjà vu, dizziness, headache, or tingling.
  • During the seizure (the ictal phase), symptoms may include jerking, stiffness, limpness, or twitching, as well as blacking out, confusion, memory loss, hallucinations, or unusual smells.
  • Afterward (the postictal phase), people may feel sleepy, confused, embarrassed, or thirsty, or have a headache.

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 a 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 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 people experience an aura at the beginning of a seizure. An aura is an early seizure symptom that may occur before other seizure symptoms become apparent. Recognizing an aura may help individuals move to a safe place, alert someone nearby, and reduce the risk of injury.

Symptoms experienced during this phase include:

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

Neurology

The neurology specialists at Cayman Neurology and Pain Management use a holistic approach where all potential modalities are incorporated into a treatment plan throughout a patient’s life. Any changes to patients’ symptoms will be addressed on an ongoing basis. Integrating lifestyle changes with a range of treatment options allows the patient to minimize degeneration and lay the ground for improvement.

For additional information on the treatment options for seizures and epilepsy, contact Cayman Neurology and Pain Management.  If you would like to schedule an appointment or check for availability, please book online or call+1 345-943-6900.

Book an Appointment Now

FAQs About Seizures

What causes a seizure?

Seizures are caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Some causes are still unknown, but focal seizures can be caused by an injury, tumor, or stroke.

Some people can, at times days in advance. This can give them time to take their medication and get to a safe place to avoid injury.

Many people feel sleepy, confused, embarrassed, or thirsty, or have a headache. Some recover quickly, while others take longer.

They can be. There is often a genetic aspect to primary generalized seizures.