
Seizures: What They Are, Causes, Symptoms & Treatments
A seizure is characterised by behavioural changes that happen physically during an episode of certain kinds of abnormal brain electrical activity. The terms 'seizure' and 'convulsion' are often used interchangeably, though they are not the same.
The person experiences rapid, rhythmic, uncontrollable shaking during convulsions, with the muscles continually tightening and relaxing. There are various types of seizures, each presenting differently. Some patients may have mild symptoms without experiencing shaking.
It can be really frightening to have a brain seizure. Seizures primarily occur due to excessive, uncoordinated electrical activity in the brain. Seizures occur when an abnormal number of brain cells fire simultaneously. Seizures are often categorised as partial and generalised. Both sides of your brain exhibit aberrant electrical activity when you have a generalised seizure. Electrical activity spikes in one area of the brain can cause partial seizures.
There are numerous causes of seizures, including elevated blood sugar or electrolytes, brain damage from a stroke or other head trauma, inherited brain disorders, or even a brain tumour. Seizures can also be caused by dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, a high fever, or infections or viruses that damage the brain tissue. Seizures can also result from the use of illegal drugs or from suddenly quitting alcohol or drugs.
So, what are the telltale indicators of a seizure? Simple spells of staring may be experienced by some individuals with seizures, while others may experience intense, uncontrollable shaking and unconsciousness. There will be flashing lights for some folks and hallucinations for others. Some people may experience abnormal feelings, such as tingling, a sense of an imaginary odour, or emotional shifts.
Most of the individuals who experience their first seizure will visit the hospital's emergency room. To rule out medical factors like a stroke, the doctor will perform various testing. You might be advised spinal taps, head CT or MRI scans, or blood testing. The reason for your seizure will determine how you are treated. For instance, if a temperature was the cause of a seizure, the goal of treatment would be to lower the fever. If there is evidence to believe that you are at high risk of seizures, your doctor may prescribe medications to help you prevent further seizures.
You should strive to maintain a regular routine, get plenty of sleep, and stay away from excessive stress. The majority of seizure patients are able to lead quite active lives. Plan ahead for the possible dangers of a certain activity. Until it is evident that seizures are unlikely to recur, stay away from any activity that could cause unconsciousness. Let’s learn more about causes, symptoms, & treatment of seizures.
Read Also: Epilepsy Treatment in Delhi - Causes, Symptoms & Diagnosis
What is Seizure?
A seizure is characterised by an abrupt spike in brain activity. Behaviour, movements, emotions, and consciousness levels might all change as a result. Having two or more unexplained seizures that occur at least 24 hours apart is known as epilepsy. Seizures are not always caused by epilepsy.
There are various forms of seizures. They present a variety of symptoms and have varying degrees of impact on your daily life. Seizures are also classified by where they begin in the brain and how far they spread. Most seizures last between 30 seconds and two minutes. Seizures that last more than five minutes are considered medical emergencies.
Seizures may occur following a stroke or a head injury. An infection like meningitis or another ailment could also be the cause. However, in many cases, the cause is unknown.
The majority of seizures can be managed with medication, however there may be negative effects. Discuss your symptoms with your doctor to develop a balance between seizure treatment and medication side effects.
Read Also: Stop a Stroke Before It Starts: Key Tips for Stroke Prevention
What are Causes of Seizure?
Neurons (nerve cells) communicate through electrical signals sent across different areas of the brain. When a seizure occurs, the afflicted brain cells send uncontrolled impulses to those around them. This type of electrical activity overloads affected parts of the brain, resulting in seizure symptoms. Following are the triggers that can cause seizure:
- Abnormal blood sugar levels (low or very high blood sugar)
- Certain medications
- Light flashes
- Heat illness
- Sleep deprivation
- High fever
- Stress
- Substance abuse (including alcohol withdrawal)
Following are the conditions that may cause seizure:
- Aneurysm
- Cerebral hypoxia
- Brain tumors
- Cerebrovascular disease
- Diabetes
- Severe concussion and traumatic brain injury
- Degenerative brain diseases like Alzheimer’s disease or frontotemporal dementia
- Eclampsia
- Electrolyte problems, especially low sodium (hyponatremia), calcium or magnesium
- Epilepsy (seizures that happen frequently without any clear, underlying cause)
- Genetic disorders
Other conditions that may induce seizures may include:
- Hormone-related changes
- Inflammation from autoimmune conditions
- Infections (especially encephalitis, meningitis or sepsis)
- Problems with how your brain developed (congenital brain abnormalities meaning occurring with birth)
- Mental health issues (known as psychogenic seizures) like conversion disorder
- Strokes
- Toxins and poisons (such as carbon monoxide poisoning or heavy metal poisoning)
- Venomous bites or stings
Read Also: Aphasia: Understanding Its Symptoms, Types, Causes, and Treatments
What are Symptoms of Seizure?
Seizure symptoms vary depending on the type and severity of the disorder, but may include:
- Lack of consciousness
- Uncontrollable movements (convulsions, muscle spasms, jerking)
- Staring
Other symptoms may include:
- Jaw clenching or teeth grinding
- Sudden emotional changes such as confusion, fear, joy, or anxiety"
- Reason: Improves readability
- Drooling
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Abnormal eye movements.
- Noise making (grunting or snorting)
Read Also: Types of Dementia and Treatment Options in Delhi
What are Treatment Options for Seizure?
Seizure treatment varies depending upon the type, severity and cause of the disorder. Your doctor may recommend the following treatments:
- Addressing underlying causes: Your doctor will manage any underlying conditions, such as low blood sugar or stroke, to prevent future seizures.This could prevent future seizures.
- Taking anti-seizure medications: Such medications help in preventing seizures or decrease frequency of seizures.
- Surgery: Surgery can lessen seizure frequency and severity by targeting the area of your brain where seizures begin (the focal point).
- Brain stimulation: Surgeons may implant a device in the brain that delivers mild electrical currents to regulate abnormal electrical activity. The current interferes with and attempts to prevent aberrant electrical activity. There are several types of brain stimulation available, including vagus nerve stimulation.
Read Also: Depression Treatment in Delhi: Types, Symptoms & Cause
Conclusion
Seizures may appear to be instances from dramatic television shows or films, but they can occur on a daily or frequent basis for you or a loved one. They're terrible to experience and much scary to witness.
Even if you are unable to control your seizures, a neurologist can help you in preventing them. Your doctor may prescribe treatment approaches for an underlying disease or assist you in identifying and avoiding triggers. Medications can be quite effective in reducing repeated seizures, and surgery may be an option if other treatments fail.
Learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatments for Seizure from. If you're experiencing symptoms, consult our expert neurologists at IBS Hospital for accurate treatment—book your consultation now!
FAQs
Q1: How is a seizure different from epilepsy?
A: A seizure is a single event caused by abnormal brain activity. Epilepsy is a chronic condition characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures.
Q2: Are seizures curable?
A: Some seizures caused by reversible factors (e.g., infections or low blood sugar) may not recur once treated. For epilepsy, management focuses on controlling seizures rather than curing the condition.
Q3: Are seizures life-threatening?
A: While most seizures are not life-threatening, prolonged seizures (status epilepticus) or injuries sustained during a seizure can pose significant risks. However, prolonged seizures (status epilepticus) or injuries during a seizure can be dangerous.
By -Dr Aaksha Shukla |
January 29, 2025 | 9 Min Read
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