Phoenix 24
Recognizing an aura can accelerate urgent care.
ROCHESTER, UNITED STATES — July 2026. Seizures do not always begin with dramatic convulsions or an immediate loss of consciousness. Some people experience an early warning known as an aura, which may include an unusual smell or taste, visual changes, tingling, sudden fear, déjà vu or an unexplained sensation in the stomach. Others may stare blankly, become confused or display repetitive movements before the episode intensifies. Not every person receives these warning signs, and their absence does not rule out a seizure.
A seizure occurs when abnormal electrical activity temporarily disrupts brain function, producing changes in movement, behavior, sensation or awareness. The person may become rigid, fall, experience involuntary jerking or lose contact with their surroundings. Afterward, confusion, exhaustion, headache or difficulty remembering the event may persist for several minutes or longer. Experiencing a seizure does not automatically mean that someone has epilepsy.
Possible triggers include high fever, brain infections, head injuries, sleep deprivation, low sodium levels, certain medications and severe metabolic disturbances. Physicians evaluate how the episode began, how long it lasted and what occurred during recovery to determine its probable origin. A first seizure always requires medical assessment because it may reveal an underlying neurological or systemic condition.
Emergency assistance is necessary when a seizure lasts longer than five minutes, another begins immediately afterward or the person has difficulty breathing or waking up. Urgent care is also recommended when the episode occurs in water, causes an injury or affects someone who is pregnant or living with diabetes. High fever, heat-related illness and a first-ever seizure are additional reasons to seek immediate professional evaluation.
Witnesses should clear dangerous objects from the surrounding area, protect the person’s head and place them gently on their side to help maintain an open airway. They should not restrain the movements or place objects, food or liquids inside the mouth. Timing the episode and observing its characteristics can provide valuable information for medical personnel. Calm, informed action can reduce injuries while emergency assistance arrives.
Recognizing the first signal may protect a life before the crisis escalates.