New Delhi: When people hear epilepsy for the first time, they are likely to imagine a convulsive seizure and a fall to the ground. But this neurological condition often appears quietly. Spotting hidden signs early can make a difference in receiving the right treatment. Epileptic seizures take place as the brain’s electrical signals misfire. About 50-100 lakh people in India live with this condition. Many of them don’t know it, since the signs are sometimes pretty subtle. It is time everyone acquired knowledge in recognising the typical pattern of events or symptoms of an epileptic seizure, especially if one has a family member with epilepsy.
In an interaction with News9Live, Dr. Atampreet Singh, Senior Director & Head of Neurosciences at Shardacare-Healthcity, explained how epilepsy goes beyond just fits.
Staring Spells
Have you ever seen someone abruptly go quiet in mid-sentence, eyes fixed on space for a moment? These are called “absence seizures” and are pretty easy to miss. The person might blink rapidly or do faint lip motions, then suddenly come back as if nothing happened, with no recall of the brief relapse.
Teachers often observe this in their students and assume the child isn’t paying attention. Parents may think their teenager is being defiant or distracted. But when these blank moments happen often, especially if they interrupt activities and the person forgets about them, it is time to consult with a neurologist. Children particularly experience these seizures, and they can seriously affect schoolwork and safety.
When Someone Drops Without Warning
Some epilepsy patients lose all muscle control in an instant during “drop attacks.” The person doesn’t faint; they are conscious and yet cannot stay upright. They recover within seconds and get up, often in a state of confusion. Families sometimes blame poor balance or weak legs. But repeated and unexpected falls like this, with no dizziness beforehand, signal a problem that needs checking. These episodes can cause injuries, making diagnosis even more urgent.
Other Warning Signs That Slip By
Epilepsy shows up in surprising ways:
- One may suddenly feel confused, unable to recognise where they are.
- Arms or legs might jerk sharply.
- Strange smells or tastes appear from nowhere.
- Words get stuck, or what others say temporarily seems like gibberish.
- Some people make odd, repetitive movements like chewing when there’s no food, rubbing their hands together, or walking in circles.
These episodes usually look similar each time and happen without any clear trigger.
Getting Help Makes All the Difference
Witnessing these symptoms once or twice might not be alarming. But if they keep repeating, a consultation with a neurologist may help in understanding the cause. Today’s brain tests can pinpoint epilepsy.
An EEG monitors the electrical activity of the brain and registers abnormal patterns. Once diagnosed correctly, most epilepsy patients respond well to treatment. Antiepileptic medications are usually effective in controlling seizures sufficiently to enable people who hold jobs, raise families, and enjoy sports. The key is to start treatment before seizures cause accidents or interfere with daily life.
Knowledge Protects Your Family
Epilepsy affects people everywhere, across all ages and backgrounds. There is no shame in it, and understanding how it really affects patients helps families act quickly when something seems off. Those staring spells, unexplained tumbles, and weird moments when your friend seems “not here”—these deserve attention. Learn to trust what you observe. A conversation with your doctor could reveal epilepsy that had been hiding in plain sight for so long.
People with epilepsy thrive with proper care. The first step is to simply recognise that seizures come in many forms, and catching them early opens the door to effective treatment and a full, healthy life.
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