What are the symptoms after a seizure?

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Always bear in mind that epileptic seizures involves three stages – preictal, ictal and postictal. The primary stage is called preictal which covers the time until the actual seizure. The second stage is the ictal which is the actual seizure and the third stage is the postictal which lasts from seconds to days depending on the type of seizure. Just remember that the postictal symptoms are fleeting and do not require any form of treatment.

If a family member is prone to experience seizures, it is best that you are prepared with what to do to prevent any injuries from occurring. It is important that you know what to do if an individual is under seizure. With this in mind, you can enroll for first aid training today so that you are prepared.

Headache

Headache is a usual symptom after an individual experiences an epileptic seizure. The postictal headaches usually manifest after generalized tonic-clonic seizures as well as complex partial seizures. They tend to occur less frequently after simple partial seizures. The length of the postictal headache is usually less than six hours in most individuals.

Seizure
Always bear in mind that a generalized tonic-clonic seizure is typically followed by a stage of deep sleep. An individual who experiences tonic seizures can suffer from a period of drowsiness after the seizure.

Drowsiness

Always bear in mind that a generalized tonic-clonic seizure is typically followed by a stage of deep sleep. An individual who experiences tonic seizures can suffer from a period of drowsiness after the seizure. The length of the postictal stage of drowsiness is usually connected to the length of the seizure.

Confusion

After experiencing a generalized tonic-clonic seizure, the individual will undergo a period of confusion. It can be noted that after an extended period of this type of seizure, full resolution of the postictal confusion will not occur for several days. Take note that there is brief period of mild to moderate confusion that can occur after a tonic or complex partial seizure.

Soreness of the muscles

In most cases after a seizure, muscle soreness can occur which involves uncontrollable muscle movements particularly in a tonic seizure, grand mal seizure and status epilepticus.

Weakness or paralysis

When an individual experiences an epileptic seizure, there is a momentary period of weakness or paralysis which involves one side of the body. As a postictal symptom, this is called as Todd’s paralysis. In most cases, the symptoms typically resolve in about 15 hours but can last for as long as three days. In some cases, the speech and vision of the individual can also be affected.

Psychiatric issues

After an episode, some individuals were reported to experience psychiatric issues. These psychiatric symptoms typically develop after 2-5 days after a seizure. The symptoms of depression and anxiety can occur more frequently. Take note that psychosis can develop with hallucinations, delusions and disorganized speech. The symptoms typically last for minutes up to days and usually resolve without any form of treatment.

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