Published on: 7/9/2025
What are the warning signs that a seizure is about to occur?
Some people experience warning signs—called auras—before a seizure, which can include odd sensations, emotions, or physical symptoms.
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.
(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.
Tell your friends about us.
We would love to help them too.
For First Time Users
What is Ubie’s Doctor’s Note?
We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.
Learn more about symptoms
Was this page helpful?
Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor's Note is a service for informational purposes. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.