Seizures can be caused by several different issues, which include imbalances in the nerve-stimulating chemicals in the brain. Tumors, strokes, and traumatic brain injuries can also be the underlying reason for the health condition. Epilepsy is a term that you’ll often hear people use regarding people who have more than two episodes of these symptoms. While experiencing this condition can be a one-time event, it could also be a chronic health issue. Watching for these six early warning signs of seizures can help you be prepared for handling any that occur.

1. Loss of consciousness
People often lose consciousness during epileptic episodes. They may suddenly stop responding to you, or they could have a more severe lapse of consciousness that involves falling to the floor. In either case, it is important to make sure that the person is safe. If they are operating machinery, then turn it off. If they drop to the floor, then you’ll want to move any items in the area that could pose a risk for injuries.

2. Breathing problems or stopping breathing
The severe loss of muscle control caused by epileptic episodes can also lead to serious breathing problems. If someone stops breathing, then you will need to contact the emergency authorities near you right away. Then, perform CPR as soon as it is safe to do so. Someone who stops breathing during the event needs emergency medical attention.

3. Loss of bowel or bladder control
For many people, this symptom of having an epileptic episode can be potentially embarrassing. However, it is a normal body response to the misfiring neurons in the brain along with the muscular contractions. Usually, this is a symptom that only occurs with their epileptic episodes, and the person may need assistance with their hygiene needs after they regain consciousness and muscle control.

4. Staring
Depending upon the type of episode they have, the condition can cause people to temporarily lose their normal cognitive functions. They may lose consciousness but not pass out. When this happens, you might notice someone staring off into space. They may not respond to you, and you might notice them moving their jaws or eyes in different ways. Absence episodes are especially known for this symptom, and a person might get up and go on with their day like nothing happened once it ends.

5. Jerking movements of the arms and legs
Grand mal and myoclonic types of seizures can cause the neurons in your brain to misfire in their communication with your body’s muscles. This causes certain parts of the body to twitch and shake with periods of stiffness in between. A grand mal type of episode tends to generate the movements that you often see in movies or television shows, since it tends to involve the whole body. Other types of epileptic episodes might cause jerking movements in just one part of the body.

6. Stiffening of the body
Stiffness or rigidity is also common when someone has this condition. The person experiencing the episode may not be able to move their limbs, and this symptom can only affect the smaller muscles in the body. For example, someone might not be able to move their fingers until the event passes. People often feel tired after the event due to holding the different parts of their body in a muscle contraction.

There are many different types of episodes that are related to epilepsy, and each type causes varying symptoms. You’ll want to remember that these events don’t always look like what you see in the movies, since some merely involve a brief lapse in awareness. Contacting a medical professional at the first sign of a seizure can help you or someone you love receive testing that can aid in a diagnosis.