Seizure history and symptoms
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Shakiba Hassanzadeh, MD[2]
History and Symptoms
Symptoms experienced by a person during a seizure depend on where in the brain the disturbance in electrical activity occurs. Recent studies show that seizures happen in sleep more often than was thought. A person having a tonic-clonic seizure may cry out, lose consciousness and fall to the ground, and convulse, often violently. A person having a complex partial seizure may appear confused or dazed and will not be able to respond to questions or direction. Some people have seizures that are not noticeable to others. Sometimes, the only clue that a person is having an absence seizure is rapid blinking or a few seconds of staring into space.
Change in alertness; the person cannot remember a period of timeMood changes, such as unexplainable fear, panic, joy, or laughterChange in sensation of the skin, usually spreading over the arm, leg, or trunkVision changes, including seeing flashing lightsRarely, hallucinations (seeing things that aren't there)Falling, loss of muscle control, occurs very suddenlyMuscle twitching that may spread up or down an arm or legMuscle tension or tightening that causes twisting of the body, head, arms, or legsShaking of the entire bodyTasting a bitter or metallic flavor
Overview
The main part of the seizure history should be about the patient’s awareness, experience, and remembrance of the seizure. Symptoms of seizure may include: aura, prior staring spells, myoclonic jerks, and impaired awareness.
History and Symptoms
History
- The main part of the seizure history should be about the patient’s:[1]
- Awareness
- Experience
- Remembrance of the seizure
Symptoms
Symptoms of seizure may include:[1]
- Aura
- Typically seen in patients with focal seizures and give information about the origin of the seizures in the brain.
- Patients with a first convulsive seizure may experience:
- Prior staring spells
- Myoclonic jerks (without awareness)
- Stereotypic events (such as auras)
- Impaired awareness
- Question the patient and witness separately
References
- ↑ Jump up to: 1.0 1.1 Gavvala JR, Schuele SU (2016). "New-Onset Seizure in Adults and Adolescents: A Review". JAMA. 316 (24): 2657–2668. doi:10.1001/jama.2016.18625. PMID 28027373.