However, for some people, there may be some early signs that epilepsy will develop before seizures begin.
Additionally, some types of seizures are somewhat subtle and are not always recognized as seizures.
This article will discuss the early signs of epilepsy in babies, children, and adults.
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These conditions cause problems with learning, attention, memory, vision, or physical movements.
The subtle events may begin to have a serious impact or occur frequently.
In these situations, neurological symptoms can occur because of the underlying condition.
Children
Children may develop epilepsy due to a neurodevelopmental condition that they are born with.
Additionally, babies who have epilepsy may have abnormalities in their sleep patterns.
This may be called theprodrome, and some people also refer to anauraas a seizure warning.
Prodrome Stage
A prodrome is a feeling people have prior to experiencing a seizure.
This may include unusual sensations or emotions, or a sense of extreme fatigue.
Many times, people who have epilepsy will begin to recognize a specific recurrent prodrome.
But a person who has a prodrome prior to their seizures may not always experience it before a seizure.
Aura Stage
An aura sometimes occurs at the beginning of a seizure.
Aura symptoms can include unusual sensations or feelings or small movements of one part of the body.
These generally last for several seconds at a time.
This condition occurs because of abnormal and uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain.
Risk factorsinclude:
Seizures can also be idiopathic, meaning without an identifiable cause or risk factor.
You should not make a run at move them or put anything in their mouth.
This includes:
The symptoms could indicate a seizure or another neurological problem that would need to be evaluated.
Summary
Some people may have symptoms before being diagnosed with epilepsy.
The symptoms can occur if the seizures are subtle.
Early diagnosis and treatment can lead to better overall outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Epilepsy is a clinical diagnosis that is based on a medical history.
Sometimes diagnostic tests can be helpful in determining if someone is having seizures.
Tests may includebrain imaging studiesand anelectroencephalogram(EEG).
However, sometimes test results can be normal even if a person has epilepsy.
Most people feel very tired and groggy after a seizure and often do not recall the event.
Many people feel confused or disoriented after having a seizure.
Some people have weakness in one part of the body after a seizure.
These post-seizure symptoms can last from minutes to days.
Yes, it is possible to suddenly develop epilepsy.
