A seizure occurs when the brain's electrical system demonstrates an overload of unusual activity---the result can be as slight as a muscle twitch or can involve uncontrollable thrashing and loss of consciousness. One of the most common diseases resulting in seizures is epilepsy, although anyone can experience a seizure with no warning or underlying health condition. There are several signs that a seizure is coming or is taking place.
Isolated
Some seizures are generally referred to as myoclonic seizures, which are brief and mild. These seizures usually are isolated to certain body parts and only affect these areas, rather than one half or the entire body. They usually affect the limbs, such as the arms, face, legs or fingers. There is generally no loss of consciousness, and the patient can relax in a safe place until the tremors and shaking pass.
Motor
Motor skills are often affected in many incidents of seizures, such as tonic-clonic or drug-induced seizures from a reaction or overdose. An exhausting and sometimes painful sign is the contracting and relaxation of all or isolated muscle groups---this can last for just a few minutes or for several hours, until the seizure has passed. Involuntary eye movements and constant turning of the head are common motor signs a seizure is taking place. The limbs turning into an uncomfortable position is also a sign. Being unable to talk, speak or scream is a sign. Any type of seizure that affects the motor skills should be evaluated by a physician immediately to determine if any kind of brain damage has taken place.
Sensory
When someone is suffering from a seizure, he may experience an array of sensory signs and symptoms. Sensory signs are often prevalent in tonic-clonic seizures or grand mal seizures. These can have severe psychological effects that are scary and frightful for many sufferers. Signs may include a loud humming, hissing, buzzing or ringing in the ears. Visuals may be affected with flashes of bright lights, illusions, color streaks or blotches and hallucinations. Sharp tastes that are pungent, unpleasant and unpredictable are noted. Extreme dizziness or faintness has been cited. On some occasions complete loss of sensory function and loss of consciousness result. With any sensory seizure, immediate medical help should be sought.
Autonomic
With autonomic signs, others may be able to visibly see the symptoms the seizure sufferer is experiencing. Autonomic seizures are common in those suffering from petit mal seizures. Flushing and sweating are generally the first visible signs that someone is suffering from a seizure. Dilated pupils and the inability to focus the eyes straight forward are visible autonomic signs. An increased amount of gas in the intestines, paired with vomiting and incontinence, are noted. You may also develop an extremely high pulse rate, or tachycardia, during a seizure. Severe autonomic seizure should not be taken lightly---emergency medical assistance must be prompt.
Mental
Mental signs that a seizure is taking place or has taken place may include the sufferers relaying mental symptoms that are strange or unusual. These could include distortion of time and place, detachment from themselves, flashbacks in time, panoramic vision and appearing to be in a dream or dreamy state of mind. The seizure sufferer may suffer from unprovoked emotional symptoms, such as anger, fear, depression or displeasure.
