Seizure Awareness
❤️ Recognising a Temporal Lobe Seizure
The symptoms I wish I’d understood sooner.
Sometimes a seizure doesn’t look like a seizure at all.
The last few years I experienced little moments that I brushed off as stress, tiredness or anxiety. I never imagined they were actually seizures.
It wasn’t until I blacked out whilst driving and was diagnosed with Temporal Lobe Epilepsy that everything finally made sense.
If sharing my story helps just one person recognise the signs earlier than I did, then it’s worth every word.
What is a Temporal Lobe Seizure?
Unlike the seizures many people picture on television, temporal lobe seizures often don’t involve collapsing or shaking.
Many people remain awake, can appear completely normal to others, yet their brain is experiencing abnormal electrical activity.
They can last anywhere from a few seconds to a couple of minutes and are often mistaken for anxiety, panic attacks, migraines, menopause, stress or simply “being absent-minded.”
❤️ Symptoms I Experienced
Everyone experiences epilepsy differently, but these were some of mine.
- Déjà vu that felt overwhelmingly real
- A sudden rising sensation in my stomach
- Feeling detached from reality
- Everything suddenly feeling strange or unfamiliar
- Intense fear for no obvious reason
- A strange taste or smell that wasn’t there
- Staring into space
- Being unable to respond properly
- Lip smacking or repetitive hand movements
- Confusion afterwards
- Extreme tiredness afterwards
- Headaches following an episode
- Forgetting what had just happened
The Day Everything Changed
On July 6th 2026 I lost consciousness whilst driving.
I’d experienced one of my familiar “strange feelings” moments just beforehand.
Within minutes of arriving at hospital, the doctors recognised the pattern of symptoms and diagnosed Temporal Lobe Epilepsy.
Looking back, my body had been trying to tell me something for years.
What Should you do?
If you think you or someone you love may be experiencing temporal lobe seizures:
✔ Keep a diary of episodes
✔ Write down what happened before, during and afterwards
✔ Note how long they lasted
✔ Speak to your GP
✔ Ask for a referral to Neurology if appropriate
Never ignore recurring episodes just because they seem small.
When Should You Call 999?
Seek emergency help if:
* A seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes.
* One seizure follows another without recovery.
* The person is injured.
* They have difficulty breathing afterwards.
* It’s their first known seizure.
* They remain unconscious.
You Are Not Alone ❤️
Being diagnosed with epilepsy can feel frightening.
I know because I’m living it too.
Life doesn’t stop.
It just changes a little.
With the right medication, support and understanding, many people continue to live full, happy lives.
If my story helps even one person get answers sooner, then sharing it has been worthwhile.This page is based on my own experience alongside current medical guidance. It should not replace advice from your GP, neurologist or emergency services. If you’re worried about any symptoms, please seek medical advice.
