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11 early warning signs of seizures

A seizure is an episode of sudden and uncontrolled electrical activity between brain cells that leads to temporary disruptions in muscle tone or movement. Not all individuals may experience the same symptoms associated with the complication. However, there are symptoms that are more common, which could help individuals identify the onset of a seizure. Here are 11 signs of seizures to help one determine the existence of the disorder and seek immediate healthcare assistance.

Changes in mood
An individual who experiences sudden and unexplained mood or emotional changes may be at risk of a seizure. They could include signs such as fear, intense happiness, or anxiety that may not relate to the ongoing situation.

Trouble concentrating
There are many reasons for lack of concentration, including a poor sleep cycle. But this could also happen because of the onset of seizures. The individual may also have other cognitive restrictions, such as memory lapses and mental fog.

Strange smells
An individual may experience a stage known as aura, an unusual feeling just before a seizure. The occurrence may result in symptoms like strange smells, which might require healthcare intervention. Other signs associated with this stage include flashing lights or a feeling of déjà vu.

Piercing feeling in parts of the body
Before the onset of a seizure, one may spontaneously feel a piercing feeling in some parts of the body. This sensation might be localized to one side of the body. The individual might also experience numbness or tingling in these areas.

Stomach pain
Stomach pain is another common sign of a seizure that might be mistaken for another condition. If one experiences this symptom, they must speak to an expert immediately. Other gastrointestinal signs include nausea and a sense of “butterflies” in the stomach before a seizure occurs.

Headache
One of the most common signs of a seizure is headaches. This might occur before the onset of the neurological phenomenon, and the intensity of the symptom may differ from one person to the next.

Insomnia
Multiple factors may cause insomnia, such as stress, an irregular sleep schedule, and physical illness. One should know that the signs may also occur due to the onset of nocturnal seizures, as it is known to disrupt sleep cycles.

Blurred vision
One of the early warning signs of the neurological occurrence is blurred vision. The visual disturbance may occur before one experiences a seizure. Therefore, one should consult an expert immediately if there are no underlying reasons for their condition.

Urinary incontinence
This condition is characterized by the involuntary loss of bladder control, which makes one want to empty their bladder often. And while there are other reasons for the sign, it may occur just before a seizure. Therefore, one should address urinary incontinence at the earliest to detect and manage potential conditions like seizures.

Uncontrollable muscle movements
Individuals may also suffer from uncontrollable jerking movements of the arms and legs without an underlying known cause. This might be a clear indicator of the onset of seizures and must be diagnosed and treated by an expert at the earliest.

Staring
An individual affected by a seizure might experience symptoms that cause them to blank out or stare into space for a few seconds. They are common in children and are often set off by a period of hyperventilation.

Understanding arthritis – A common joint condition

The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1: At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2: The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected jointsâ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3: At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4: This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression: Stage 1: Wear and tear may affect the knee joints, and minor spur growths on the affected bone can also be seen, but the condition does not cause too much pain at this stage. Stage 2: The bone spur growths increase and cause pain, and the knee joints become stiffer. Stage 3: This stage is characterized by joint inflammation leading to increased pain and stiffness. Walking can also cause poppingÂ sounds in the joints. Stage 4: The space between the bones in the joints becomes very narrow, causing the cartilage to wear down. Also, a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of cartilage aggravates discomfort and pain. Diagnosis of arthritis These joint conditions can be diagnosed using several tests. A physical examination reveals whether a patient has red, warm, and tender joints, and this test also helps examine the fluid around the joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the level of inflammation in the joints to determine the type of arthritis an individual is affected with. Also, blood tests are undertaken to check for antibodies like anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. In addition, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI are also performed to check the condition of the cartilage and bones. Prevention of arthritis A family history of joint conditions like arthritis or aging can increase oneâs risk of developing arthritis, but making certain lifestyle changes can also help lower the chances of developing the condition. To start with, one should include more foods with omega-3 fatty acids in their diet as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory. One should also exercise regularly, keep their weight under check, reduce stress on their joints, and try to avoid injuries. Also, if one notices any symptoms of arthritis, they should consult a doctor immediately as early diagnosis goes a long way in managing the condition effectively through timely treatment.

10 signs of leukemia that require immediate attention

Leukemia is a type of cancer that originates in the bone marrow. From unexplained fatigue to swollen lymph, each symptom offers a valuable clue that necessitates careful consideration. Recognizing leukemia's subtle signs and symptoms can lead to timely intervention and a better prognosis. It is imperative to emphasize that while these symptoms are indicative, a conclusive diagnosis can only be established through specialized medical evaluation. Here are a few common signs that should not be ignored. Persistent fatigue Most leukemia patients have to deal with the development of anemia characterized by fewer red blood cells in the body. RBCs are crucial for the transfer of oxygen to different organs and tissues. When their levels drop, it results in fatigue, weakness, and a general sense of lethargy. Frequent infections Leukemia impairs the production of healthy white blood cells, which are crucial for fighting off infections. Consequently, individuals with leukemia may experience an increased susceptibility to infections. This can manifest as recurring illnesses such as pneumonia, sinusitis, urinary tract infections, or other bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. Easy bruising and bleeding Leukemia disrupts the production of platelets. These are blood components responsible for blood clotting and preventing excessive bleeding. As a result, individuals may experience easy bruising, prolonged bleeding from minor cuts, or nosebleeds. Additionally, individuals may notice tiny, red spots on the skin, known as petechiae, and occur due to minor hemorrhages in the skin. Bone pain When leukemia cells accumulate in the bone marrow, they result in bone pain and discomfort. This discomfort is commonly experienced in the pelvis, thigh bones, and sternum. Bone pain associated with leukemia is typically described as a persistent, dull ache, often exacerbated by movement or pressure. Swollen lymph nodes Enlarged lymph nodes are a noticeable symptom, particularly in regions such as the neck, armpits, or groin. Leukemia cells can accumulate in these nodes, causing them to become palpable. The swelling may not be painful but is often a clear indicator of underlying issues. Excessive sweating Leukemia can induce profuse sweating, particularly during the night. The cause of these night sweats is linked to the body's immune response to leukemia cells. Pale complexion Anemia, a common complication of leukemia, leads to a reduction in healthy red blood cells. Aside from persistent fatigue, this complication comes with its own set of problems and symptoms. This results in a noticeable whiteness or sallow appearance of the skin. The complexion may lack its usual healthy coloration. Recurrent headaches In some cases, leukemia can lead to increased pressure within the skull due to the proliferation of abnormal cells and may cause persistent headaches of varying intensity. The headaches may accompany other symptoms, such as visual disturbances or nausea. Abdominal discomfort Leukemia can lead to an enlarged spleen or liver, resulting in abdominal pain or a feeling of fullness. This discomfort is often described as a vague, persistent ache in the upper abdomen. It may be accompanied by a sensation of bloating or fullness, even after eating small amounts. Frequent nosebleeds The reduced production of platelets in leukemia can lead to a higher tendency for nosebleeds. The blood vessels in the nose become more fragile, making them susceptible to breaking and increasing the risk of nosebleeds in individuals with leukemia.