A seizure is an event in which electrical activity in the brain produces an episode of unusual movement, sensation or unconsciousness. There are several types of seizures. The sufferer is often unaware of the episode. A person having a seizure may have a brief loss of muscle tone, a short period of unresponsiveness, an episode of uncontrolled jerking movements or other symptoms. One or both sides of the body may be affected. Occasionally, a person has a warning sign prior to having a seizure.
Identification
While the warning signs of a seizure are unique to the individual, some common patterns are reported. The book "Medical-Surgical Nursing" explains that some individuals experience deja vu, a feeling that what is occurring around them has happened before. Other common identifiers include a strange taste in the mouth or an unusual smell, such as a chemical burning odor. It is also possible to hear a continuous noise or see one or more bright lights prior to seizing. Some people become confused or lose track of where they are and what they are doing. A child may become sad and quiet or suddenly behave irrationally and impatiently.
Time Frame
A seizure warning sign may occur just seconds or minutes prior to a seizure. This is sometimes noted in individuals who have seizure disorder, a condition in which multiple seizures have occurred over time. Epilepsy.com explains that warning signs can begin up to three days prior to a seizure. The severity of the signs may increase prior to the actual seizure.
Benefits
A person who can recognize warning signs of an impending seizure can seek help and get into a position in bed or the floor to avoid injury from falling. A longer warning period may allow the individual to seek medical guidance or be tested to determine if blood levels of medication are low.
Disadvantages
A person who believes a seizure is impending may become anxious, thus impacting her quality of life. She may spend days dreading an event that lasts for only a few minutes, potentially leading to decreased productivity and an inability to sleep.
Alternatives
According to the NewScientist website, dogs can sometimes predict seizure activity in humans before it occurs. While the mechanism is unknown, this is hypothesized to occur due to smells the individual's body may create when seizure activity is impending. Dogs who alert people to an upcoming seizure can allow family members to monitor the sufferer and prevent falls or other injury during the episode.
References
- "Medical-Surgical Nursing"; Donna Ignatavicius, MS, RN and Linda Workman, PhD, RN; 2002
- Epilepsy.com: Warning Signs of Seizures
- Epilepsy.com: Professionals: Influence of Seizure Types
- Epilepsy Action: Auras and Warnings
- NewScientist: Dogs Can Predict Epileptic Seizures
