A) Understanding Epilepsy and Seizures
A seizure occurs when there is a sudden change in the brain’s electrical activity. This change can temporarily affect awareness, movement, behavior, or sensations. Seizures can look very different from one person to another and may last only a few seconds or several minutes.
Having a seizure does not always mean a person has epilepsy. Epilepsy is a neurological condition in which a person has a tendency to experience recurrent, unprovoked seizures. Understanding what seizures are and how they happen can help reduce fear and support informed care.
B) How the Brain Normally Works
The human brain contains billions of nerve cells, called neurons, that communicate with each other through electrical and chemical signals. These signals allow the brain to control movement, thoughts, emotions, memory, and awareness.
Under normal conditions, brain activity is carefully regulated. Signals are balanced so that brain cells activate and rest in an organized way. This balance helps maintain stable brain function and normal consciousness.
C) What Causes Seizures?
Seizures can occur for many different reasons. In some cases, the cause is known, while in others it may remain unclear.
Common causes of seizures include:
Epilepsy – a neurological condition associated with recurrent seizures
Brain injury or trauma – including head injury, stroke, or surgery
Genetic factors – certain inherited conditions may increase seizure risk
Infections – such as meningitis or encephalitis
Brain tumors or structural changes – including scar tissue or malformations
Metabolic imbalances – such as low blood sugar or electrolyte abnormalities
Drug or alcohol withdrawal
High fever in young children (febrile seizures)
Triggers such as sleep deprivation, stress, or flashing lights in some individuals
In some people, a specific cause is never identified.
D) What Happens in the Brain During a Seizure
Seizures occur when the normal balance of brain signaling is disrupted. Neurons communicate using signals that either excite or inhibit activity.
When excitatory signals become too strong, or inhibitory signals are reduced, groups of neurons may begin to fire together abnormally. This sudden, synchronized electrical activity creates the surge of brain activity that produces a seizure.
Factors that may disrupt this balance include:
Problems with ion channels that regulate electrical signals
Imbalances in neurotransmitters such as glutamate (excitatory) and GABA (inhibitory)
Structural changes in the brain
Inflammation or infection
Metabolic disturbances
E) Types of Seizures
There are different types of seizures, and they can affect people in different ways.
Focal Seizures (Partial Seizures)
These begin in one area of the brain.
Focal Aware Seizures
The person remains awake and aware. They may experience unusual sensations, muscle twitching, or changes in perception.
The person remains awake and aware. They may experience unusual sensations, muscle twitching, or changes in perception.
Focal Impaired Awareness Seizures
Awareness is altered. The person may appear confused, stare, or perform repetitive movements and may not respond during the episode.
Awareness is altered. The person may appear confused, stare, or perform repetitive movements and may not respond during the episode.
Generalized Seizures
These affect both sides of the brain and often involve loss of awareness.
Tonic-Clonic Seizures
Loss of consciousness with muscle stiffening and rhythmic jerking movements, followed by a recovery period.
Loss of consciousness with muscle stiffening and rhythmic jerking movements, followed by a recovery period.
Absence Seizures
Brief staring episodes, more common in children, often lasting only a few seconds.
Brief staring episodes, more common in children, often lasting only a few seconds.
Myoclonic Seizures
Sudden, brief muscle jerks.
Sudden, brief muscle jerks.
Atonic Seizures
Sudden loss of muscle tone, sometimes causing falls.
Sudden loss of muscle tone, sometimes causing falls.
Tonic Seizures
Sudden muscle stiffening.
Sudden muscle stiffening.
Clonic Seizures
Rhythmic jerking movements.
Rhythmic jerking movements.
Some individuals experience only one seizure type, while others may experience more than one.
F) How EEG Helps Evaluate Seizures
An EEG (electroencephalogram) records the brain’s electrical activity. EEG testing helps doctors identify abnormal patterns, determine seizure type, and understand how different areas of the brain are functioning.
EEG results are used together with medical history and other tests to guide diagnosis and treatment planning.
G) What Can Help Manage Seizures
Managing seizures often involves a combination of medical treatment and healthy lifestyle habits. Depending on the individual, care may include:
Anti-seizure medications
Maintaining regular sleep habits
Stress management and relaxation techniques
Avoiding known seizure triggers
Balanced nutrition and hydration
Physical activity, when appropriate
Specialized therapies in selected cases
Treatment plans are individualized and guided by a healthcare provider.
H) When to Seek Medical Care
Medical evaluation is important if seizures are new, increasing in frequency, or associated with injury, confusion, or loss of awareness. Early evaluation helps identify underlying causes, guide treatment, and improve safety.
Final note
This information is provided for educational purposes and does not replace medical advice from your healthcare provider.