Seizures: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
Seizures are sudden and abnormal bursts of electrical activity in the brain that can affect behavior, movement, awareness, and sensation. There are many causes of seizures, such as brain injury, infection, stroke, tumor, or epilepsy. Epilepsy is a condition in which seizures occur recurrently without a reversible cause. Two types of seizures can be distinguished: focal or partial seizures, which originate in one area of the brain, and generalized seizures, which originate from both sides.
Causes of seizures
Seizures can be triggered by various factors, depending on the type and underlying cause of the seizure. Some common triggers include:
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Fever, especially in children
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Lack of sleep
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Stress
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Alcohol or drug withdrawal
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Medications that lower the seizure threshold, such as antidepressants, antibiotics, or painkillers
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Flashing lights or patterns
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Low blood sugar or electrolyte imbalance
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Head trauma or brain surgery
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Brain infections, such as meningitis or encephalitis
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Brain tumors or strokes
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Genetic or developmental disorders, such as tuberous sclerosis or Down syndrome
Symptoms of seizures
The symptoms of seizures vary depending on the type and severity of the seizure. Some common symptoms include:
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Loss of consciousness or awareness
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Confusion or memory loss
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Staring blankly or blinking rapidly
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Twitching or jerking of the limbs or face
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Stiffening or relaxing of the muscles
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Drooling or biting the tongue
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Changes in vision, hearing, smell, taste, or touch
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Nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain
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Emotional changes, such as fear, anxiety, or joy
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Aura, which is a warning sign that a seizure is about to happen, such as a strange feeling, sensation, or thought
Diagnosis of seizures
Doctors diagnose seizures by asking about a patient's medical history, symptoms, and possible triggers. They will also conduct a physical and neurological examination to detect signs of brain injury. Tests may be ordered by the doctor to confirm the diagnosis and determine the cause of seizures, such as:
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Blood tests to check for infections, glucose levels, electrolytes, liver and kidney function, and drug levels
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Electroencephalogram (EEG) to measure the electrical activity of the brain and detect abnormal patterns
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Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scan to look for structural abnormalities in the brain, such as tumors, strokes, or bleeding
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Lumbar puncture to obtain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and test for infections or inflammation in the brain or spinal cord
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Genetic tests to identify inherited or congenital disorders that may cause seizures
Treatment of seizures
Seizures are treated based on their type, frequency, severity, and cause. The main goals of treatment are to stop seizures, prevent future seizures, and reduce their side effects.
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Medications, such as anticonvulsants, benzodiazepines, or barbiturates, to reduce the frequency and intensity of the seizures
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Surgery, such as resection, hemispherectomy, corpus callosotomy, or vagus nerve stimulation, to remove or disconnect the part of the brain that causes the seizures or to stimulate the nerve that controls the seizure activity
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Diet, such as the ketogenic diet, the modified Atkins diet, or the low glycemic index treatment, to change the metabolism of the brain and reduce the seizure activity
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Lifestyle changes, such as avoiding triggers, getting enough sleep, managing stress, and following a regular routine, to reduce the risk of seizures
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Education and support, such as joining a support group, learning about seizure first aid, and wearing a medical alert bracelet, to cope with the emotional and social impact of seizures
Prevention of seizures
Some seizures may not be preventable, especially if they are due to a genetic or developmental disorder. However, some steps that may help prevent or reduce the occurrence of seizures include:
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Taking the prescribed medications as directed and not missing doses
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Avoiding alcohol, drugs, caffeine, and nicotine
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Eating a balanced diet and staying hydrated
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Avoiding dehydration, hunger, or fatigue
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Avoiding flashing lights, loud noises, or other sensory stimuli that may trigger seizures
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Wearing a helmet or seat belt to prevent head injuries
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Seeking medical attention for any signs of infection, fever, or illness
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Following the doctor’s advice and monitoring the seizure activity and response to treatment
Outlook for seizures
The outlook for seizures depends on the type, cause, and frequency of the seizures, as well as the response to treatment and the presence of any complications. Several people may experience only one or a few seizures in their lifetime, whereas others may experience chronic and recurrent seizures. It is possible for some people to treat their seizure symptoms with medications or surgery, but others may suffer from seizures that are refractory or drug-resistant. It is possible for some people to have mild or no symptoms after a seizure, while others may have serious or life-threatening complications, such as:
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Status epilepticus, which is a prolonged or repeated seizure that lasts for more than 5 minutes or does not stop with treatment
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Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), which is a rare but fatal condition where a person dies suddenly and unexpectedly after a seizure
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Brain damage, which may result from lack of oxygen, bleeding, swelling, or scarring of the brain tissue
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Injuries, such as fractures, burns, cuts, or bruises, that may occur during or after a seizure
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Psychological problems, such as depression, anxiety, or low self-esteem, that may affect the quality of life and well-being of a person with seizures
Seizures are a common and complex neurological condition that can affect anyone at any age. Seizures can have a wide range of causes, symptoms, and treatments, and they can have a significant impact on a person's mental, physical, and social life. There are, however, many people with seizures who can lead normal and fulfilling lives with the right diagnosis, treatment, and care.
