How to Detect When a Seizure Is Going to Happen

A seizure can occur for several reasons, including as a result of brain injury, chronic disease or other conditions which affect the nervous, circulatory and/or neurological systems. A seizure is an indication that an "electrical short circuit" has occurred somewhere within the brain, according to Everyday Health. When this happens, blood flow to the brain decelerates, thus causing a shortage of oxygen to the brain. Being able to detect the onset of a seizure by noting particular warning signs and symptoms beforehand can actually be life saving. While accurately foreseeing every seizure in advance of its occurrence can be difficult due to the unpredictability of seizures, there are some general telltale signs to watch for.

Things You'll Need

• Notebook

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Instructions

• 1

  Pay attention to changes in your sense of smell, taste or touch. Some of the warning signs reported by epileptic patients before the onset of a seizure were that of peculiar smells, tastes and feelings which were difficult to explain, yet consistent with their seizures, according to Epilepsy.com. Some patients also reported unexplained forgetfulness.

• 2

  Experiencing unexplained confusion or feelings of "spaciness," accompanied by severe headaches or lapses in memory, may be another sign that a seizure is imminent. Some people have reported "out-of-body" sensations, during which they felt detached from their physical bodies or reality prior to seizures. If familiar situations or people suddenly begin to seem unfamiliar or strange, this could be a sign that a seizure is on its way.

• 3

  If you find yourself inexplicably daydreaming for long periods of time, or feeling very weak and sleepy, and you have a history of seizures, these symptoms may precede a seizure. Experiencing unusual twitching and tingling sensations in the arms, legs, fingers and/or toes may be another sign of an impending seizure.

• 4

  Keep a journal of your physical symptoms and mental state leading up to a seizure, and stay in tune with your body. The best way to predict a seizure is to pay close attention to what is going on within and around your body. Keep a daily log of particular feelings, bodily sensations or strange episodes and their frequencies, as well as what you were doing when the symptoms occurred. Keeping a journal can aid in your detection process by reminding you of past symptoms and ensuring that you are vigilant in the future. Share your journal with family members and friends so that they too may be aware of what to expect.