Published on: 7/9/2025
What are the common symptoms of a seizure?
Common symptoms of a seizure include sudden changes in behavior, muscle jerking, loss of consciousness, and sensory disturbances. Symptoms can vary depending on the type of seizure.
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Explanation
Seizures happen due to sudden abnormal electrical activity in the brain, and symptoms can differ widely:
Convulsive seizures: Involve uncontrollable jerking or stiffening of muscles, loss of awareness, and sometimes loss of bladder control. Absence seizures: Brief episodes of staring, blinking, or subtle body movements lasting a few seconds. Auras: Some people experience warning sensations like strange smells, tastes, or feelings before a seizure. Confusion or memory loss: After a seizure, it’s common to feel confused or tired.
If you suspect someone is having a seizure, keep them safe, protect their head, and seek medical help, especially if the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes or if it’s their first seizure.
(References)
- Lüders H, Acharya J, Baumgartner C, Benbadis S, Bleasel A, Burgess R, et al. (1998). Semiological seizure classification. Epilepsia, 9738682.
- Gavvala JR, & Schuele SU. (2016). New-Onset Seizure in Adults and Adolescents: A Review. JAMA, 28027373.
- Fisher RS, Cross JH, French JA, Higurashi N, Hirsch E, Jansen FE, et al. (2017). Operational classification of seizure types by the .... Epilepsia, 28276060.
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