More Than Seizures: How to Identify Epilepsy's Lesser Known Symptoms - Dr N Varsha Monica Reddy

When most people think of epilepsy, they often picture dramatic convulsions or seizures. In children, many times, it begins with subtle, lesser-known symptoms such as brief confusion, staring spells, unusual sensory experiences, or sudden shifts in mood or behaviour.

These early signs often go unnoticed but can be important indicators of underlying seizure activity, warrant prompt evaluation and effective management, significantly improving a patient’s quality of life.

Recurrent, unprovoked seizures characterize a chronic neurological disorder, epilepsy. These seizures are caused by sudden brain electrical activity surges and can vary greatly in intensity and form.

While generalized tonic-clonic seizures (commonly known as convulsions) are widely recognized, many types of seizures and symptoms go unnoticed, especially in the early stages.

Identifying these early signs is crucial for diagnosis and treatment, especially in children and older adults, where symptoms might be mistaken for behavioural issues.

Lesser-Known Early Signs of Epilepsy

1. Sudden Staring Spells

One of the most overlooked symptoms is absence seizures, brief moments when the individual stares blankly into space and becomes unresponsive briefly without any falls.

Often seen in children, these episodes might last only a few seconds and can occur multiple times a day. Often confused for daydreaming.

2. Unexplained Confusion or Memory Lapses

Temporary confusion, forgetfulness, or blackouts could be focal seizures, especially if they occur without warning. This may resemble daydreaming, fatigue, or age-related memory issues in adults.

3. Strange Sensory Experiences

Many people with epilepsy report unusual sensations before a seizure. These include strange smells (like burning rubber), tastes, or visual distortions. These sensory auras are mild seizures originating in specific parts of the brain.

4. Muscle Twitches or Jerks

Myoclonic seizures often cause sudden jerks or twitches, particularly in the arms and legs, usually shortly after waking up. These are commonly dismissed as random spasms or clumsiness. These can be a manifestation of a more severe infantile epileptic spasms or myoclonic epilepsy.

5. Emotional Changes or Sudden Panic

Sudden, intense feelings of fear, anxiety, or déjà vu with no obvious trigger can be a sign of temporal lobe epilepsy. These emotional auras are often misdiagnosed as psychiatric conditions like panic attacks.

Recent onset poor scholastic performance or learning issues can also be a manifestation of some epilepsy syndromes.

Sleep Disturbances Nocturnal seizures may go unnoticed but can lead to disrupted sleep, bed-wetting in children, or unexplained injuries upon waking. If sleep is consistently disturbed without reason, neurological evaluation may be necessary.

When to Seek Medical Help?

If your child experiences any of these symptoms, especially if they’re recurrent or have no clear cause, consult a neurologist. Early diagnosis of epilepsy can prevent complications and improve long-term outcomes.

Diagnostic tools such as EEG (electroencephalogram) and brain imaging can help identify abnormal brain activity even in the absence of visible seizures.

Importance of Early Diagnosis and Treatment

Recognizing epilepsy early allows for appropriate treatment using medications, lifestyle changes, ketogenic diet, and sometimes surgery. Controlled epilepsy means fewer seizures, improved cognitive and emotional health, and a better quality of life.

In children, early intervention is particularly vital for normal development and learning. Epilepsy is more than just seizures; it's a complex condition with many hidden signs.

By increasing awareness about these early symptoms, we can ensure faster diagnosis and better care. If something feels “off,” don’t ignore it. Timely neurological consultation can make all the difference.