Pre-Seizure Symptoms
A seizure is a sudden behavioral change in someone who is experiencing electrical changes in the brain. There are many different kinds of seizures and they can take on both physical and psychological characteristics. While some people experience convulsions, others may have sudden changes in thought. Although conditions vary with each seizure and patient, there are some common warning signs that have been reported by people who have experienced seizures. Below are the most widely recognized pre-seizure symptoms.
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Unsteady Feeling
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Some people experience sudden imbalance or dizziness before a seizure begins. This unsteady feeling may be subtler, as some people have reported feeling simply "spaced out" or "fuzzy." A temporary lapse in memory or a feeling of being detached from the body can also occur.
Strange Smell or Taste
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Common warning signs of a seizure include unusual smells or tastes. People who regularly experience seizures may sense a very specific smell or taste before a seizure. The smell of burning rubber, for instance, or a metallic taste may be common for some people. Recognizing these distinct warning signs can help prepare people for a seizure so that they can avoid injury.
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Involuntary Movements
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Involuntary movement of the entire body characterizes some seizures. This movement can become violent enough for a person to become injured. In some cases, these involuntary movements will begin in a smaller degree before the actual seizure. According to information from the University of Virginia Health System, head nodding and jerking of the arms and legs can be warning signs of a seizure.
Visual Disturbances
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There are several different types of visual disturbances that can occur before a seizure. Sometimes, a person will stare for an extended period of time before the seizure begins. If the person enters a trance-like state, this staring might only be noticed by third parties. Rapid blinking and eye movements are other warning signs. Some people have also reported blurred vision, vision loss or seeing a bright light before a seizure.
Incontinence
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Incontinence is another unpleasant pre-seizure warning symptom. The sudden loss of bowel and/or bladder control can be a precursor to an episode. According to the Dana Foundation, a private institution devoted to health research, the loss of bladder control is more common than bowel incontinence. Some people become incontinent before a seizure, while others suffer from the problem during or after a seizure. Like any other seizure-related symptom, it is unpredictable.
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References
- Photo Credit Photo by Andrew Mason, Creative Commons Generic Attribution 2.5 License
