A seizure is a brief, sudden change in behavior caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. When brain cells are not working properly, a person's consciousness, movement, or actions may be altered for a short time. These physical changes are called a seizure. They affect people of all races and nationalities.
There can be a number of reasons why someone has a seizure. For example, many young children have convulsions from fevers
(see Febrile Seizures).
Another type of seizure includes those caused by an imbalance of body fluids or chemicals, such as low blood sugar in people with
diabetes or by alcohol or drug withdrawal.
Other possible causes may include:
- An infection of the brain
- Severe head injury
- Eclampsia
- Tumor
- Stroke
- Other medical conditions.
Although there are many
types of seizures, each with its own symptoms, it is wise to consult a doctor if you experience one or more of these possible symptoms:
- Episodes of staring or unexplained periods of unresponsiveness
- "Blackouts" or periods of confused memory
- Involuntary movement of arms and legs
- "Fainting spells" with incontinence (or followed by excessive fatigue)
- Odd sounds, distorted perceptions, or episodic feelings of fear that cannot be explained.
When someone has experienced a seizure, the doctor will usually order an electroencephalogram, or EEG, to determine what type of seizure the person may have had and if there are any detectable abnormalities in the person's brain waves. The doctor also may order brain scans to identify abnormalities that may be visible in the brain.
If a person has had two or more seizures, he or she is often diagnosed with
epilepsy.
- Generalized: In a generalized seizure, all brain cells are involved. One type of generalized seizure consists of a convulsion with a complete loss of consciousness. Another type looks like a brief period of fixed staring.
- Partial: A partial seizure occurs when the brain cells not working properly are limited to one part of the brain. Such seizures may cause periods of "automatic behavior" and altered consciousness. This is typified by purposeful-looking behavior, such as buttoning or unbuttoning a shirt. Such behavior, however, is unconscious, may be repetitive, and is usually not recalled.
