Seizures: What do they look like?

jrotenberg3
Mar 10
4 min read

Seizures can be frightening to witness, especially if you have never seen one before. They happen suddenly and can look very different depending on the person and the type of seizure.

Knowing what to look for and how to respond can make a critical difference in keeping someone safe and calm during an episode.

See the links below to see types of seizures.

AI generalized seizure simulations are linked below.

What Is a Seizure?

A seizure happens when there is a sudden, uncontrolled electrical discharge in the brain. This disturbance can cause changes in behavior, movements, feelings, or consciousness. Seizures vary widely. Some last only a few seconds, while others can go on for several minutes. They may cause a person to lose awareness or control of their body.

When people have multiple unprovoked seizures the diagnosis is epilepsy. Yes, its that simple: multiple seizures? Epilepsy.

(pro tip...its more complicated.... if you have one seizure and an eeg suggesting a high risk of recurrence, the diagnosis of epilepsy is also appropriate).

Seizures can result from head injuries, infections, or low blood sugar. Understanding the basics helps you stay calm and act appropriately.

Common Types of Seizures and What They Look Like

Seizures are generally divided into two main categories: focal seizures and generalized seizures. Each type has distinct signs.

Focal Seizures

Focal seizures start in one part of the brain. They may or may not affect consciousness.

Simple focal seizures: The person stays awake but may experience unusual sensations, such as strange smells, tastes, or feelings of déjà vu. They might twitch or jerk one part of their body.
Complex focal seizures: These affect awareness. The person may stare blankly, make repetitive movements like lip-smacking or hand rubbing, and seem confused.
- See below
- Focal impaired awareness seizure | See a Seizure

Generalized Seizures

These involve both sides of the brain from the start.

Tonic-clonic seizures (formerly called grand mal): The most recognizable type. The person loses consciousness, their body stiffens (tonic phase), then they have rhythmic jerking movements (clonic phase). This can last 1 to 3 minutes.
Absence seizures: Brief episodes where the person stares blankly and does not respond. These last only a few seconds and often go unnoticed.
Atypical Absence Seizure: Atypical absence seizures normally last 5 to 30 seconds
- Atypical absence seizure | See a Seizure
Myoclonic seizures: Sudden, brief jerks or twitches of muscles.
Atonic seizures: Sudden loss of muscle tone causing the person to collapse or fall.
- See an AI Atonic seizure here
- Atonic seizure | See a Seizure
Tonic seizures: Sudden stiffening of muscles without jerking.
- Tonic seizure | See a Seizure
Clonic seizures: Repeated jerking movements without the stiffening phase.

Signs You Might See During a Seizure

Seizures can look very different, but some signs are common:

Sudden loss of awareness or responsiveness
Staring or blanking out
Jerking or twitching of limbs or body
Stiffening of muscles
Unusual sensations or feelings
Loss of muscle control causing falls or collapse
Confusion or disorientation after the seizure ends
Loss of bladder or bowel control (in some cases)
Difficulty breathing or noisy breathing

What to Do When You See a Seizure

Knowing how to respond can help keep the person safe and reduce injury.

Stay Calm and Time the Seizure

Log it: Note the start time of the seizure.
Most seizures last 1 to 3 minutes. If it goes longer, call emergency services.

Keep the Person Safe

Move objects away to prevent injury.
Do not restrain their movements.
Do not put anything in their mouth.
Cushion their head with something soft if possible.
Turn them gently onto their side to keep the airway clear once jerking stops.

Consider video to help history later.

Stay With Them

Stay until the seizure ends and they are fully awake.
Speak calmly and reassure them as they regain awareness.
Help them rest if needed.

Call for Emergency Help If:

The seizure lasts longer than 3 to 5 minutes.
Another seizure starts soon after the first.
The person has trouble breathing or does not wake up.
They are injured, pregnant, or have other health concerns.
You are concerned (very likely)
You are far from emergency medical service

What Not to Do During a Seizure

Do not try to hold the person down.
Do not put your fingers or any objects in their mouth.
Do not give food, drink, or medication until they are fully alert.
Do not panic or leave them alone.

How to Support Someone After a Seizure

After a seizure, the person may feel tired, confused, or embarrassed. Offer support by:

Helping them find a safe, comfortable place to rest.
Staying with them until they feel better.
Encouraging them to seek medical advice if this is their first seizure or if seizures are changing.
Avoiding judgment or alarm, as seizures can be stressful for both the person and witnesses.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If you or someone you know experiences a seizure for the first time, it is important to see a healthcare provider. They can help determine the cause and recommend treatment if needed. Also, if seizures become more frequent or severe, medical advice is necessary.

Understanding Seizure Triggers

Some seizures happen without warning, but others have triggers. Common triggers include:

Lack of sleep
Stress or anxiety
Alcohol or drug use
Flashing lights or patterns
Illness or fever
Skipping medication for epilepsy

Avoiding known triggers can reduce the risk of seizures.

How to Prepare for Seizures

If you or someone close to you has seizures, preparation helps:

Learn seizure first aid.
Keep emergency contacts handy.
Wear medical ID if recommended.
Inform friends, family, and coworkers about what to do.
Keep a seizure diary to track frequency and triggers.

Houston Specialty Clinic

Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric Pulmonology, and Sleep Medicine

Houston, Sugar Land, and Telehealth