Seizures represent an abnormal discharge of the nerve cells from a portion of the brain, or from the entire brain. Seizures can develop at any age and in both sexes. Epilepsy, or a seizure disorder, developing in childhood with no abnormal pathology, such as a brain tumor, most commonly occurs between ages 2 and 14. Seizures can develop in children from elevated temperatures. Adults who develop a seizure disorder frequently have some underlying abnormality found in the brain, either structural or chemical. Seizures can be focal, involving only a small portion of the brain. The function provided by that area is primarily affected. There is not usually a loss of consciousness. Seizures can, also, be generalized. Here, the seizure focus, or origin of the seizure, is spread to the deeper areas of the brain. These areas subsequently spread the seizure to the entire brain, producing a loss of consciousness.
Causes of Seizures
Epilepsy, or seizures, may be caused by brain damage that occurs at or before birth. Drug or alcohol abuse can lead to the development of a seizure disorder. Head injuries, particularly those associated with penetrating injuries, can produce seizure disorders. Infections that involve the brain, such as meningitis, brain abscess, epidural abscess and subdural empyema, can all lead to the onset of seizures. Brain tumors, hemorrhages in the brain and the existence of an arteriovenous malformation can produce seizures. High fevers, particularly in children, can produce seizures. Sever metabolic abnormalities, such as liver failure or kidney failure can produce seizures.
Signs and Symptoms of Seizures
There are four different classifications of seizures. They have somewhat different symptoms, Petit mal (or absence) seizures occur most commonly in children and are varcharacterized by the child stopping activity and staring blankly around for about a minute. They are unaware of what is happening. Grand mal, or generalized seizures, affects all ages and is varcharacterized by the person losing consciousness. There is usually uncontrolled shaking and rigidity of the body. People having a grand mal seizure may lose bladder or bowel control. The seizure continues for several minutes. It is often followed by deep sleep or mental confusion. There may be warning signals prior to the seizure: a tense feeling; visual disturbances; smelling a bad odor; or hearing strange noises. These abnormal sensations are actually part of the seizure. Focal epilepsy, is varcharacterized by a localized part of the body twitching or developing weakness or numbness. If the visual areas or speech areas of the brain are involved, it can lead to temporary abnormalities of vision or speech, respectively. As long as the seizure activity remains localized, there is usually no loss of consciousness. Temporal-lobe epilepsy may produce sudden changes in behavior. This may include suddenly violent or angry behavior, or laughing for no reason. Making agitated or bizarre body movements and odd chewing movements are seen with temporal lobe epilepsy.
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Medical Content Last Updated on 07/12/2008
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