Epilepsy affects 3.4 million Americans. A single unprovoked seizure, or two or more seizures without a known cause, defines epilepsy. About 70% of people with epilepsy can control their seizures with medication.
When to See a Doctor
🚨 Seek care urgentlyCall 911 for any seizure in someone without a known epilepsy diagnosis, any seizure lasting more than 5 minutes, two seizures without regaining consciousness in between, seizure in water, or if the person is pregnant, injured, or doesn't wake up promptly.
Early Warning Signs
1 symptomAura before seizures
A warning sensation (visual changes, smell, rising stomach sensation, déjà vu) that some people experience seconds to minutes before a seizure.
Common Symptoms
4 symptomsTonic-clonic (grand mal) seizures
Loss of consciousness with rhythmic jerking movements of the limbs. Usually lasts 1-3 minutes, followed by confusion and exhaustion.
Absence seizures (staring spells)
Brief episodes — 5-30 seconds — of staring, unresponsiveness, and subtle eye or mouth movements. Common in children, often mistaken for daydreaming.
Focal (partial) seizures
Abnormal electrical activity in one brain region. May cause unusual sensations, involuntary movements, or altered awareness without full loss of consciousness.
Post-ictal confusion and fatigue
After a seizure, many people experience confusion, headache, and fatigue lasting minutes to hours. Normal — not another emergency.
Emergency Signs — Seek Immediate Care
1 symptomStatus epilepticus (seizure lasting 5+ minutes)
A seizure lasting 5 or more minutes, or multiple seizures without recovery between them. This is a medical emergency. Call 911 immediately.
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