Disclaimer: I am not a doctor and am sharing my personal experiences with you. If you need medical advice, please consult your neurologist.
When you look up “seizures” online, you usually get a wall of intimidating medical jargon. But if you are the one experiencing them, or if you are watching someone you love, go through one, you don’t need a textbook. You need to know what is actually happening, what it feels like, and what to do next.
Whether you are trying to understand your own body or trying to look out for a family member, breaking seizures down into three phases—Before, During, and After—can take away a lot of the fear and replace it with power.
1. The “Before” (The Warning Signals)
Many people don’t realize that a seizure can give a heads-up before it fully begins. This early warning sign is often called an “aura.” It is actually a small, localized seizure acting as a yellow light for your body.
If it’s happening to YOU: You might experience a sudden, unexplainable shift in your senses. This can feel like a sudden wave of intense déjà vu, a strange metallic taste in your mouth, a random smell (like burning rubber), or a rising “rollercoaster” sensation in your stomach. If you feel this out of nowhere, it is your cue to get to a safe spot—sit or lie down immediately.
If you are the LOVED ONE: Look for sudden confusion, a blank stare, or a sudden pause in what they are doing. If they mention a strange taste, smell, or a sudden feeling of dizziness out of context, pay attention and help them sit down safely.
2. The “During” (The Main Event)
Seizures don’t all look the same. Understanding the two most common ways they show up helps prevent panic.
The “Staring” Seizure (Focal Aware or Absence)
If it’s happening to YOU: You might experience a sudden “gap” in time. You were listening to someone talk, and suddenly they are further ahead in the sentence than you remember. You might feel frozen or unable to speak, even if you know what’s happening around you.
If you are the LOVED ONE: It might look like they are daydreaming or ignoring you, but they are completely unresponsive. They might blink rapidly, smack their lips, or fumble aimlessly with their clothes. Don’t shake or yell at them; just stay with them and guide them away from any immediate danger until it passes.
The “Shaking” Seizure (Tonic-Clonic)
If it’s happening to YOU: Your muscles will stiffen and jerk uncontrollably. While some people lose consciousness entirely, others retain a frightening degree of awareness—hearing the room around them, feeling the muscle contractions, or remembering fragments of the event. Know that your brain is temporarily experiencing a massive electrical surge, and it will pass.
If you are the LOVED ONE: This is incredibly scary to watch, but your main job is to keep them physically safe.
Do: Gently ease them to the floor, cushion their head with something soft, and turn them onto their side to keep their airway clear. Time the seizure.
Do NOT: Never hold them down or try to stop their movements. Never put anything in their mouth—they will not swallow their tongue, and putting objects in their mouth can cause serious injury.
Note: If the shaking lasts longer than 5 minutes, call 911 immediately.
3. The “After” (The Recovery)
Once the seizure stops, the brain and body enter a recovery phase. Think of it as a total system reboot after a massive power surge.
If it’s happening to YOU: You are going to feel completely spent. Your muscles might ache as if you just ran a marathon, and you will likely feel deeply confused, disoriented, or emotional. It is entirely normal to not know where you are or what day it is right away. Give yourself permission to rest; your brain just did an immense amount of physical work.
If you are the LOVED ONE: When they come out of it, they will be vulnerable and confused. Don’t crowd them, and don’t pepper them with a million questions right away (like “What’s your name? Do you know where we are?”). Just stay calm, speak in a soft tone, and reassure them: “You’re safe. You had a seizure, but it’s over now, and I’m right here.” Your calm voice is their anchor while their brain reboots.
The Takeaway: Seizures are terrifying when they are a mystery. But when a person knows their own warning signs, and when a loved one knows exactly how to respond, you create a team that can handle the unpredictable with confidence. Stay healthy. Derek
Leave a Reply