Seizures are neurological conditions where the brain-body connection suddenly experiences bursts of electrical impulses. As a result, the body goes through uncontrolled behavior such as twitching, stiffness, limpness, and eye movements. Seizures can be caused due to multiple reasons. If a patient experiences more than two seizures without any noticeable symptoms in one day, the condition can be diagnosed as epilepsy. Now let us discuss seizures, their types, causes, symptoms, and treatment options in detail.
What are the types of seizures?
A seizure can be a one-time occurrence. But if it happens regularly, the condition is called epilepsy. There are two types of seizures – focal and generalized.
Focal seizures are also called partial seizures. The electrical impulses begin in one part of the brain and spread throughout. The effects of focal seizures depend on how much the impulses spread. Generalized seizures cause electrical impulses all through the brain and are mostly caused due to genetics.
What causes a seizure?
There are many factors that can trigger a seizure. Some of the common ones are listed below.
- Exposure to flashes of light
- Infections in the brain, including meningitis
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels)
- Sudden withdrawal from addictive substances such as alcohol and narcotics
- Use of certain medications, especially antipsychotic medicines
- Injuries in the brain
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Health conditions such as stroke, brain tumors, and cancers
A seizure could also occur without any causal factor.
What are the symptoms of a seizure?
Here are some of the major symptoms of a seizure. The faster the person gets medical help after the onset of the symptoms, the easier it will be to treat the condition.
- Uncontrollable body movements, including twitches
- Sudden stiffening and loosening of the muscles and limbs
- Inability to control eye movements, including rapid blinking
- Constantly staring into space
- Uncontrollable movements of the tongue and mouth
- Dizziness and unconsciousness
- Confusion
How to diagnose and treat seizures?
The following tests are conducted to determine and diagnose the occurrence of a seizure.
- EEG (Electroencephalogram) – To look for an abnormality in brain activity and possible brain damage
- MRI scan, CT scan, or PET scan – To help understand the functioning of the brain and detect problems, if any
- Blood tests – To eliminate brain infection
Depending on the severity of symptoms and the results of the above tests, the doctor may choose one or more of the following treatment processes.
- Anti-seizure medications
One of the most common treatment processes for a seizure is medications. Anti-seizure medications work by reducing the level of electrical activity inside the brain. Depending on specific conditions, you may need these medications for a few weeks, months, or even permanently. - Vagus nerve stimulation
Vagus nerve stimulation is when a small device is placed on the vagus nerve, a large nerve passing from the brain to the stomach. This implant controls the kind of impulses that the brain sends out. - Deep brain stimulation
This is a highly advanced treatment process that helps prevent and control seizure activity in the brain. Here an implant fitted inside the brain identifies seizures before they occur. The electrodes of the device send electrical impulses to specific areas of the brain to control and prevent seizures. - Surgery
Sometimes, seizure-creating electrical impulses start from just one region in the brain. If doctors are able to identify this region, they may choose to remove it to prevent future stimulations. - Lifestyle changes
Lack of sleep, stress, diet, and certain medications can increase the risk of a seizure episode. Talk to your doctor and identify lifestyle changes that can help prevent repeat attacks.
A seizure can be extremely frightening. However, if you identify the trigger and treat the condition early on, you can prevent it from recurring and lead a healthy and safe life. Repeated seizures could be diagnosed as epilepsy, and you may need to be on medications. Consult your doctor for more information.
