Contents
Understanding Seizure Symptoms: What Should You Look For?
Published: Mar 13, 2024
Seizures can manifest in various ways, and recognizing the symptoms is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment.
Focal Seizure Symptoms
Focal seizures may start with subtle symptoms like a strange smell or taste, or involuntary jerking of a body part. These seizures affect only one part of the brain, and awareness may or may not be impaired, depending on the seizure's reach.
Generalized Seizure Symptoms
Generalized seizures involve the entire brain and often cause a sudden loss of consciousness. Symptoms include stiffening of muscles, jerking movements, and sometimes a loud cry or moan. These seizures typically last a few minutes and are followed by confusion.
Post-Seizure Effects
After a seizure, many people experience a postictal state characterized by confusion, fatigue, and sometimes temporary weakness or paralysis. This phase can last from minutes to hours, depending on the individual and the type of seizure.
Frequently Asked Questions
A seizure affecting only one part of the brain.
They cause loss of consciousness and full-body movements.
It's a recovery phase after a seizure with confusion and fatigue.
Yes, symptoms depend on the type and brain area affected.
Wrapping Up
Recognizing seizure symptoms is the first step in getting the right help.
References
- Fisher RS, Harding G, Erba G, et al. Photic- and pattern-induced seizures: a review for the Epilepsy Foundation of America Working Group. Epilepsia 2005; 46:1426.
- Pottkämper JCM, Hofmeijer J, van Waarde JA, van Putten MJAM. The postictal state - What do we know? Epilepsia 2020; 61:1045.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
AI Doctor Visit Required
Appointments available 24/7
Top licensed doctors
Available in all 50 states
Full service care
Prescriptions, referrals & treatment
No insurance needed
All notes available in Doctronic
15-min consultation. No hidden costs.
AI Doctor Visit Required
Please Chat With Our AI Doctor First
Our AI doctor assessment helps our human doctors prepare for your video visit and provide better care
For safety reasons we have been forced to end this consultation.
If you believe this is a medical emergency please call 911 or your local emergency services immediately.
If you are experiencing emotional distress, please call the the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or your local crisis services immediately.
Contact us
You can also email us at help@doctronic.ai
We aim to reply within 5-7 days
How likely are you to recommend Doctronic to friends or family?