How to Recognize the Signs of an Epileptic Seizure
The warning signs for an epileptic seizure are different for everyone. Some of the symptoms most commonly reported include the following:
- Sensation in the pit of your stomach, often described as the feeling of "butterflies" in your stomach
- Feeling of impending doom or fear
- Sound or tone-like music that is similar each time
- Difficulty coming up with words or forming clear thoughts
- Impaired hearing that feels like you're underwater
- Feeling of d茅j脿 vu where things are familiar or the opposite feeling where everything seems unrecognizable
- 鈥淎lice in Wonderland鈥 syndrome where everything is distorted鈥攅ither you feel small and everything seems large or vice versa
Many of these symptoms may also be the result of other medical conditions. Visit your primary care provider first if you think you or your loved one might have epilepsy. Your primary care provider will determine if you need to see a neurologist who specializes in epilepsy (epileptologist).
What to Do during an Epileptic Seizure
It鈥檚 important to recognize the signs of a seizure so you can help a person stay safe during and after. Sit the person with the seizure down if they're not experiencing any jerking movements. Sitting them down will prevent them from harming or injuring themselves during the seizure. Stay with them until the seizure is gone.
Follow these instructions for jerking seizures:
- Roll the person onto their side.
- Do not put anything in the person's mouth.
- Loosen clothing around the neck or head area to help them breathe comfortably.
- Move the person away from anything they might hit if it is safe to do so.
- Stay with the person until the seizure is over.
When to Call 911 For a Seizure
Call 911 immediately if the person with a seizure has any accompanying symptoms or conditions:
- Seizure lasting more than two minutes
- Stops breathing during or after a seizure
- Loss of consciousness that does not return right away after a seizure
- Second seizure immediately after the first
- High fever along with the seizure
- Pregnant and having a seizure
- Heat exhaustion
- Diabetic and experiences a seizure
- Injured during the seizure
What to Do After a Seizure
It鈥檚 important to let the person with the seizure know they are safe after the seizure is over. They may feel confused or be irritable at first. Stay with them for a while until they feel comfortable. Call 911 or seek medical attention right away if their confusion or other symptoms last for a long period of time after the seizure.
How to Prevent Seizures
You can can prevent seizures with the following lifestyle changes and treatments:
- Take seizure medication exactly as prescribed
- Get plenty of sleep (sleep deprivation can trigger seizures)
- Avoid illegal or recreational drugs
- Don't drink alcohol in excess
- Stop taking medications that may interact with your seizure medications.
Make sure you review your current medications with your provider before you start new seizure medications.
When to See a Doctor
Talk to a primary care provider immediately if you or a loved one have been experiencing seizures. Your primary care provider will help you get a proper diagnosis and rule out other potential causes. Many primary care providers can diagnose epilepsy and prescribe medication as an initial treatment.
You can also call 801-585-7575 to schedule an appointment with one of our epilepsy specialists within our epilepsy program. Some insurance plans require a referral from a primary care provider to see a specialist. Our schedulers can request a referral from your primary care provider. You can also contact your insurance carrier for any questions about your coverage.
