A seizure is abnormal electrical activity in the brain, causing changes in awareness and muscle control. It can manifest in various ways, affecting behavior, senses, and muscle tone or movements. Seizures can occur at any age and have numerous possible causes, including underlying medical conditions, injuries, or illnesses.
Types of Seizures
Seizures are classified by their onset or beginning in the brain:
- Focal seizures: Start in a specific area of the brain, often causing localized symptoms.
- Generalized seizures: Involve both sides of the brain or groups of cells on both sides simultaneously, leading to more widespread symptoms.
- Unknown seizures: Classification is unclear due to limited information.
Causes and Factors
Seizures can be triggered by various factors, including:
- Underlying medical conditions, such as epilepsy, head trauma, infection, tumor, or injury before birth
- Psychogenic nonepilepsy seizure (PNES), caused by intense emotional trauma or stress
- Other factors, such as fever, infection, or certain medications
Symptoms
During a seizure, abnormal electrical activity can cause:
- Involuntary movements, sensations, emotions, and/or behaviors
- Loss of awareness
- Convulsions (repeated muscle contractions) and loss of consciousness
- Brief lapses of awareness, staring into space
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a chronic brain disorder characterized by recurring seizures. It can have various causes and seizure types, and its severity and impact vary from person to person. Epilepsy can be accompanied by co-existing conditions and may require ongoing treatment.
