I'm Becoming An Animal

I'm becoming an animal

Epileptic seizures, while neurological in nature, can exhibit traits that might be considered "animalistic" due to their involuntary and primal manifestations. Convulsions involve sudden, uncontrollable movements of the body, resembling the thrashing or twitching seen in distressed animals. Involuntary vocal sounds, such as grunts, moans, or screams, can be seen as animalistic. These sounds occur due to the forceful contractions of muscles involved in respiration and vocalisation, reminiscent of an animal in pain or distress. After a seizure, the individual often experiences confusion and exhaustion, similar to an animal recovering from a traumatic event. The person may be disoriented, tired, and slow to respond, paralleling an animal's behaviour after a stressful encounter. Postictal muscle soreness and headache can lead to behaviours like an animal licking its wounds. The "animalistic" traits of epileptic seizures reflect the primal, involuntary nature of these events. From convulsions and vocalisations to altered awareness and sensory disturbances, the behaviours exhibited during and after seizures can evoke comparisons to animal responses to distress or trauma. Understanding these traits can help demystify the experiences of those with epilepsy and foster greater empathy and support.