Signs and Symptoms of Epilepsy

The main symptom of epilepsy is seizures. They can happen at any time of day and in varying degrees of intensity.

Contact the Pediatric Epilepsy Program

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 401-444-5685.

Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizures

These types of seizures are dramatic, full-blown convulsions of the arms and legs, with loss of consciousness, sometimes loss of bladder/bowel control, tongue biting, and foaming at the mouth.

Focal Seizures

These are subtler and may go on for a long time without detection. Signs include staring into space, repetitive blinking and smacking of the lips, and may be accompanied by moments of confusion, slurring of the speech or rhythmical jerking movements.

Common Symptoms of Epilepsy

Some patients exhibit strange behaviors like walking in circles, pedaling legs or aggressive outbursts.

It is common for older children and adults to experience significant memory issues.

Other Possible Signs of Epilepsy

Brief muscle twitching
Muscles suddenly becoming limp or rigid
Falling suddenly
Unresponsiveness to sound or speech for brief periods of time
Appearing confused
Sudden changes in sensations, such as feeling waves of heat or cold, goosebumps, heart racing

Resources

For more resources on epilepsy and pediatric epilepsy, visit the following sites:

Learn more about treatments for pediatric epilepsy at LIfespan