Watch out for these early warning signs of a seizure
The brain is the point of control for almost every bodily function, from body movements and balance to the functioning of body organs, heart rate, and breathing. Seizure results from disturbances in the brain’s electrical activity, triggering changes in one’s movements, feelings, and behavior and affecting consciousness. Seizures may have many underlying causes, including brain injury, stroke, or a brain tumor. Some hidden warning signs that usually manifest before a seizure are listed below.
Jerky muscle movements
A myoclonic seizure is a form of seizure that lasts for a brief while and involves the involuntary jerking of muscles. Jerking of muscles indicates an underlying neurological problem and is a seizure sign to watch out for.
Staring
Some persons with silent or “absence” seizures at the early stages may stare into nothingness for a few seconds before returning to attention. This symptom is generally prevalent among children from 4 to 14 years of age.
Loss of consciousness
Individuals with tonic-clonic seizures may experience loss of consciousness during seizure attacks, often accompanied by intense muscle contractions. Sometimes, these patients may bite their tongues or lose bladder control during the seizure attack.
Anxiety
Several patients with seizures and epilepsy report feeling anxious just before a seizure attack. However, since the symptoms of a panic attack and seizure may be quite similar and involve high levels of anxiety, EEG or MRI scans can help distinguish a seizure from a panic attack.
Body stiffness
Tonic seizures are characterized by stiffness in the arms, legs, and body muscles. Such stiffness often occurs when the patient is asleep and lasts approximately 20 seconds. However, sometimes, one’s body may become stiff even while standing, which may cause the patient to lose control and fall to the ground.
Breathing issues
An individual with seizures may suffer from breathing problems, also called apnea. In extreme cases, the inability to breathe for a long spell can considerably reduce oxygen levels in the blood. Furthermore, the airways may get blocked during a convulsive seizure episode, causing suffocation.
