Would you know what to do if someone suddenly acted strangely or collapsed without warning? Recognizing the symptoms of a seizure could help save a life.
Seizures occur when there is a sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain. Symptoms can vary depending on the type of seizure but often include the following:
- Sudden loss of consciousness or awareness: A person may collapse, appear confused, or simply “zone out” for a few seconds.
- Jerking movements: Uncontrolled twitching or convulsions, especially in the arms and legs, are common in tonic-clonic seizures.
- Staring spells: The person might stare blankly into space and seem unresponsive. This often happens during absence seizures.
- Unusual sensations: Some individuals may feel a warning sign called an “aura,” such as strange smells, tastes, or a tingling sensation in the body.
- Repetitive movements: Lip-smacking, chewing, or other repetitive gestures can indicate a seizure, especially focal seizures.
- Sudden muscle weakness or stiffness: Atonic seizures cause a sudden loss of strength, leading to falls, while tonic seizures result in stiffness.
Other symptoms may include confusion, difficulty speaking, or extreme tiredness after the episode ends.
It’s important to stay calm, keep the person safe, and seek medical help if needed. Knowing these signs can make all the difference in providing timely assistance.
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