Epilepsy is a group of neurological disorders characterized by abnormal brain activity that causes chronic or reoccurring seizures. Epilepsy.com notes that a seizure can cause varying symptoms and affect any function that the brain controls. The condition is usually defined as a transient change in the nerve functioning of the brain. Early symptoms of epilepsy may occur before the seizure occurs and during the seizure. Individuals with epilepsy may have factors that trigger seizures, such as a lack of sleep, inadequate nutrition, stress, alcohol abuse and certain medications. Since isolated seizures may be caused by other factors, a physician can accurately diagnose whether a seizure is due to epilepsy.
Sensory Symptoms
Some individuals experience warning or early symptoms that affect the sensory receptors before a seizure occurs. In some cases, these symptoms may be subtle and not noticeable to an outside observer. Being aware that a seizure is about to occur is important because it helps the individual get to a safe location and position and prevent injuries or falls. According to Patient UK, early symptoms that may occur before a full-blown seizure include experiencing a distinct taste in the mouth, a smell or a sound. Slurred, confused or disjointed speech, a blank stare, loss of vision, numbness and an aura or a tingly feeling around the body are also early symptoms.
Motor Symptoms
According to the Mayo Clinic, early physical symptoms of epilepsy include fatigue, weakness, twitching and uncontrollable, jerking movements of the limbs. Other symptoms involving the motor control of the brain include chewing movements, lip smacking, drooling, clenching the teeth, biting the tongue, eyelid fluttering, eye rolling movement, hand waving, clenching the fist, wrist rotating, foot stomping, inability to move or shaking. Some individuals may also experience temporary paralysis. Most individuals experience the same type of seizure with similar noticeable symptoms before and during each episode, according to Epilepsy.com.
Psychological Symptoms
Patient UK lists several psychological symptoms that may occur before the onset of a seizure in some individuals with epilepsy. These symptoms affect the emotions and thoughts and may not be apparent to anyone else. Symptoms include temporary confusion, racing thoughts, feelings of deja vu or premonitions, uneasiness, fear or panic. Some patients may also experience pleasant feelings and elation before a seizure. Epilepsy.com notes that other warning symptoms of epilepsy include dizziness, lightheadedness and nausea.
