Symptoms of Epilepsy
The symptoms of epilepsy depend on the type of seizure and the part of the brain affected. Since epilepsy is a spectrum disorder, symptoms can range from brief staring spells to intense convulsions. Some people are aware during seizures, while others lose consciousness entirely.
Types of Seizures and Symptoms
1. Focal (Partial) Seizures
These begin in one part of the brain and may or may not affect awareness.
Focal aware seizures – The person remains conscious but may feel unusual sensations, such as:
Tingling or numbness
Flashing lights or strange smells
Sudden fear or déjà vu
Focal impaired awareness seizures – The person may seem confused, stare blankly, or perform repetitive actions like chewing or fumbling. They may not respond when spoken to.
2. Generalised Seizures
These affect both sides of the brain and usually cause a loss of consciousness.
Tonic-clonic seizures (grand mal) – Stiffening of the body followed by jerking movements. May include:
Crying out
Drooling
Loss of bladder control
Confusion after the seizure
Absence seizures (petit mal) – More common in children. Involve staring into space for a few seconds, often mistaken for daydreaming.
Myoclonic seizures – Sudden, brief jerks of the arms or legs, often shortly after waking.
Atonic seizures – Sudden loss of muscle tone, leading to falls or head drops.
Warning Signs Before a Seizure
Some people experience an aura—a set of warning symptoms like nausea, fear, or visual distortions—before a seizure starts. Auras can help people prepare or alert others.
After a Seizure (Postictal State)
Following a seizure, a person may feel:
Confused or sleepy
Tired and weak
Headachy or disoriented
Unable to speak clearly for a short time
Recovery may take minutes or hours, depending on the seizure type.
Symptoms of Epilepsy In South Africa
In South Africa, epilepsy symptoms are often misunderstood. People experiencing seizures may be taken to traditional healers or feared by their community. Misdiagnosis is also common, especially in rural clinics with limited diagnostic tools.
Raising awareness of the symptoms of epilepsy is critical for encouraging early medical intervention and reducing stigma.
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