Signs of a Seizure and When to Seek Help

A seizure is caused by a sudden increase in electrical activity in the brain. Depending on which brain region is affected, it can affect behavior, movement, and/or consciousness. Seizures often occur without warning, which can make them especially frightening.

At his practice in Arcadia, California, board-certified neurologist Dr. Kenneth K. Wogensen specializes in diagnosing and treating seizures. In this blog, we discuss some of the most common seizure symptoms and explain when to seek professional help.

Types of seizures

Understanding the two main types of seizures can help you recognize their symptoms.

Focal (partial) seizures

These seizures occur in one specific part of the brain and typically affect only one side of the body. Common symptoms include muscle twitching, unusual sensations, or brief confusion.

Generalized seizures

These seizures affect the entire brain and may result in a loss of consciousness. They can cause more pronounced symptoms, too, like full-body convulsions or sudden stiffening.

Signs of a seizure

Seizure symptoms range from mild to severe. Common signs to watch for include:

• Short-lived confusion
• Staring into space, also called an absence seizure
• Jerking arm and leg movements that can’t be stopped
• Loss of consciousness or awareness
• Changes in thinking or emotions, such as fear or anxiety

Since seizures share symptoms with other neurological conditions, consulting an expert like Dr. Wogensen can provide you with an accurate diagnosis and inform proper treatment.

Do seizures require immediate medical attention?

Not all seizures require immediate medical attention. Most are mild, especially if they’re brief and you or your loved one recover quickly afterward. However, certain seizure symptoms may warrant a visit to the emergency room.

When to seek professional help for a seizure

Dr. Wogenson encourages you to seek professional medical help if you have a seizure, or you witness a loved one having a seizure, and any of the following occur:

• The seizure lasts five minutes or longer
• The person stops breathing after the seizure stops
• A second seizure occurs immediately after the first
• The person has a high fever
• The person is pregnant
• The person has diabetes
• The seizure happens in water
• The seizure causes an injury

Additionally, you should seek immediate care if it’s the first time you or your loved one has had a seizure. Since seizures can happen for various reasons, identifying the underlying cause is crucial. 

What to expect at the emergency room

At the emergency room, the medical staff focuses on stabilizing you or your loved one, identifying the seizure’s cause, and determining where in the brain it occurred.

After you’re discharged, make an appointment with Dr. Wogensen. He can develop a personalized treatment plan to help reduce the risk of future seizures. Depending on your needs, he may recommend anti-seizure medication or surgery.

We can help manage your seizures

For many people, seizures are a lifelong issue, but with proper care, it’s possible to reduce their frequency and severity. To schedule an appointment with Kenneth K. Wogensen, MD, call the office, or book an appointment online today.