What are the warning signs that a seizure is about to occur?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Auras are early warning signs that some people experience before a seizure. These pre-seizure symptoms can include unusual sensations (such as tingling, déjà vu, or strange smells), sudden emotional changes (like fear or euphoria), or physical signs (such as dizziness, nausea, or visual disturbances). Recognizing an aura can help you prepare and stay safe.

If you've noticed unexplained symptoms like these, it's worth understanding what may be behind them. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you identify possible causes and guide your next steps—so you can make informed decisions about your health with confidence.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn if seizure signs need urgent care Discover likely causes of seizure warning signs Find out if symptoms suggest a seizure See over-the-counter options for seizure-related symptoms Find a doctor for seizure concerns Understand home remedies for seizure recovery Check if seizure warning signs need care

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Explanation

A seizure aura is the brain's early signal that a seizure may be about to happen. These warning signs can occur seconds to minutes before the seizure and vary by person. Common symptoms include:

Sensory changes: Tingling, numbness, strange smells (like burning rubber), or visual disturbances (flashing lights or blurred vision). Emotional shifts: Sudden fear, anxiety, panic, or a sense of déjà vu. Physical signs: Dizziness, nausea, or an odd taste in the mouth. Cognitive symptoms: Confusion, trouble speaking, or feeling "off" or disconnected from surroundings. Headache or stomach discomfort: Especially in children.

Not everyone experiences auras, but for those who do, recognizing them can provide a brief opportunity to get to a safe place or alert others before the seizure occurs. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms and want to better understand what might be causing them, try Ubie's free AI symptom checker to help identify potential conditions and next steps.

(References)

Hughes J, Devinsky O, Feldmann E, & Bromfield E. (1993). Premonitory symptoms in epilepsy. Seizure, 8162384.
Pinikahana J, & Dono J. (2009). Age and gender differences in initial symptoms .... Epilepsy & behavior : E&B, 19716344.
Caprara ALF, Tharwat Ali H, Elrefaey A, Elejla SA, & Rissardo JP. (2023). Somatosensory Auras in Epilepsy: A Narrative Review .... Medicines (Basel, Switzerland), 37623813.

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