According to Epilepsy.com, "a seizure is a sudden alteration of behavior due to a temporary change in the electrical functioning of the brain." Every seizure has a beginning, middle and end. Each stage has common symptoms that accompany it, although not every person experiences the same symptoms. The frequency and severity of seizures depend on the type of seizure one suffers from, the efficacy of his medication and his compliance with his treatment plan.
Early Warning Signs
Just prior to a seizure, one may experience sensory, emotional and physical symptoms. In some cases, there are no warning signs; the seizure just takes place.
Sensory symptoms include a feeling of deja vu, loss of vision or blurred vision, smelling something that isn't near you (i.e., food), hearing sounds that don't exist, racing thoughts or feeling strange, as if something is going to happen. This is typically referred to as an aura.
Physical symptoms include feeling dizzy, lightheaded, developing a headache for no apparent reason or becoming nauseated. These can all be accompanied by feelings of fear or panic, which may only makes a seizure worse.
Signs During a Seizure
Sensory symptoms during a seizure include confusion, loss of consciousness, blacking out with no realization of what is happening, entering a trance-like state, loss of vision or blurred vision, and having an out-of-body experience.
Emotionally, one may feel scared as she realizes what is happening.
Physically, there are a number of signs that indicate that a seizure is taking place. These include shaking uncontrollably (convulsions), drooling, eyes rolling back, chewing movements that usually result in biting one's tongue, falling to the ground and sweating. Additional symptoms include a stiff body, clenched teeth or jaw, increased heart rate and loss of bladder control.
After-Seizure Symptoms
Once a seizure has ended, sensory symptoms include difficulty writing and loss of memory. One may not know where he is or what just happened.
Emotionally, it is common to feel ashamed or embarrassed, frightened, confused or sad, and frustrated at not being able to control the seizures but being controlled by them.
Physically, a seizure wears a person out, making him feel weak and tired. He may have bruising or injuries from falling and convulsing, difficulty talking, a headache and be very sleepy.
