Recurrent seizures are a symptom of the brain disorder epilepsy, commonly referred to as a seizure disorder. Epilepsy comes in many different forms. In some cases, the root cause can be determined. Others don’t have a known cause.
Epilepsy is quite prevalent. According to the Epilepsy Foundation, the illness affects 1 in every 26 persons. People of all sexes, races, ethnicities, and ages are afflicted with epilepsy.
Various signs of seizures can occur. During a seizure, some people may lose consciousness while others do not. During a seizure, some people stare aimlessly for a short while. Others might experience convulsions or spasms, which are recurrent twitches of the limbs or legs.
One seizure may not necessarily indicate epilepsy. When at least two unprovoked seizures occur at least 24 hours apart, epilepsy is declared. Seizures that occur suddenly lack a known cause.
For the majority of epileptics, treatment with medications or occasionally surgery may manage seizures. Some patients need ongoing care. Others experience seizures that gradually stop. With time, some epileptic youngsters may outgrow their affliction.
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Symptoms
The symptoms of seizures differ depending on the type of seizure. Because epilepsy is caused by abnormal brain activity, seizures can disrupt every brain process. Seizures can cause the following symptoms:
- Temporary perplexity.
- A spell of staring.
- Muscle tenseness.
- Jerking movements of the arms and legs that are uncontrollable.
- Consciousness or awareness loss.
- Fear, anxiety, or a sense of déjà vu are examples of psychological symptoms.
- People with epilepsy may have behavioural changes at times. They may also exhibit psychotic symptoms.
Most persons who suffer epilepsy have the same type of seizure every time. Symptoms are typically consistent from episode to episode.
Seizure warning indications
Some patients who have focal seizures get warning symptoms just before the seizure occurs. These warning indications are referred to as aura. They could include a stomach sensation. They could also incorporate an emotion like fear. Some people may experience a sense of déjà vu. Aura can also be a flavour or a fragrance. It could even be something visual, like a steady or flashing light, a colour, or a shape. Some people may feel dizzy or lose their equilibrium. Others may experience hallucinations, or seeing things that aren’t there.
Seizures are defined as either focal or generalised based on how and where the seizure-causing brain activity originates.
When seizures appear to be caused by activity in only one part of the brain, they are referred to as focal seizures. These seizures are classified into two types:
Seizures with and without loss of consciousness. These seizures, formerly known as simple partial seizures, do not result in loss of consciousness. They may modify emotions or change the appearance, smell, feel, taste, or sound of things. Some people have déjà vu. This type of seizure may also include involuntary jerking of one body part, such as an arm or a leg, as well as sudden sensory symptoms like tingling, dizziness, and flashing lights.
Seizures with focal awareness impairment. These seizures, formerly known as complex partial seizures, include a change or loss of consciousness or awareness. This type of seizure may appear to be a dream. People may look into space and not respond to their surroundings in conventional ways during a focal seizure with diminished consciousness. They may also engage in repeated activities like hand rubbing, eating, swallowing, or pacing in circles.
Symptoms of focal seizures can be mistaken for those of other neurological illnesses such as migraine, narcolepsy, or mental illness. To identify epilepsy from other illnesses, a thorough examination and tests are required.
The following are examples of focused seizures:
Seizures in the frontal lobe. Seizures in the frontal lobe begin in the front of the brain. This is the area of the brain that regulates movement. People with frontal lobe seizures move their heads and eyes to one side. When spoken to, they will not answer and may yell or laugh. They may extend one arm while flexing the other. They may also perform repetitive activities such as rocking or cycling.
Seizures in the temporal lobe. Seizures in the temporal lobes begin in the brain’s temporal lobes. The temporal lobes are responsible for emotion processing and short-term memory. Auras are common in those who suffer these seizures. The aura can include unexpected emotions like dread or joy, a sudden flavour or scent, a sense of deja vu, or a rising sensation in the stomach. People may lose awareness of their surroundings, look into space, smack their lips, swallow or chew repeatedly, or have strange finger movements during a seizure.
Seizures in the occipital lobe. The occipital lobe of the brain is where these seizures originate. This lobe has an impact on vision and how people view. People experiencing this sort of seizure may have hallucinations. Alternatively, patients could lose some or all of their vision during the seizure. These convulsions may also produce eye blinking or movement.
Seizures that are widespread
Generalised seizures are seizures that appear to include all parts of the brain. Seizures that are generalised include:
Seizures caused by absence. Absence seizures, formerly known as petit mal seizures, are most common in youngsters. Staring into space with or without slight body movements is one of the symptoms. Eye blinking or mouth smacking are examples of movements that last 5 to 10 seconds. These seizures can occur in clusters, up to 100 times each day, and cause a short loss of awareness.
Seizures with tonic jerks. Tonic convulsions produce muscle stiffness and may impair consciousness. These convulsions typically affect the muscles of the back, arms, and legs, and can result in falls to the ground.
Seizures that are atonic. Atonic seizures, also known as drop seizures, result in muscle control loss. Because this most commonly affects the legs, it frequently results in rapid collapse or falls to the ground.
Seizures that occur in clusters. Clonic seizures are characterised by repetitive or rhythmic jerking muscular movements. Seizures typically affect the neck, face, and arms.
Seizures with myoclonic convulsions. Myoclonic seizures are characterised by short jerks or twitches that affect the upper torso, arms, and legs.
Seizures that are tonic-clonic in nature. Tonic-clonic seizures, often known as grand mal seizures in the past, are the most severe type of epileptic seizure. They can cause a sudden loss of consciousness as well as stiffness, twitching, and trembling of the body. They can sometimes cause bladder control problems or tongue biting.
When should you see a doctor?
Seek emergency medical attention if any of the following events occur:
- The convulsion lasts more than five minutes.
- After the seizure stops, neither breathing nor consciousness return.
- A second seizure immediately follows.
- You have a high temperature.
- You’re expecting a child.
- You are diabetic.
- During the seizure, you hurt yourself.
- You continue to suffer seizures despite using anti-seizure medication.