Seizures

A seizure happens when part(s) of the brain receives abnormal electrical signals that temporarily interrupt normal brain function. During a seizure, brain cells can excite or inhibit other brain cells from sending messages resulting in imbalance between exciting and stopping activity.

Type of seizure depends on part of brain affected. Partial seizures occur when one side of brain is affected. Partial seizures can be simple or complex depending on which area of the brain involved. If the area of the brain that controls vision and muscles is affected (simple), and if temporal lobe is affected (complex). Patient may lose consciousness during complex attack. Other types of seizures affect both sides of brain and patient loses consciousness followed by a postictal state after the seizure.

Infants experience seizures known as febrile seizures which can happen during rise in body temperature.

• Abnormal level of sodium or glucose in blood
• Brain infection
• Brain injury during childbirth
• High blood pressure
• Stroke
• Drug abuse
• Head injury
• Blood Poisoning
• Kidney failure

• Loss of consciousness
• Involuntary eye movements
• Involuntary jerking of a muscle
• Staring in blank space
• Sudden fall
• Clenching of teeth

• When you first experience a seizure
• If the seizure lasts more than 3 minutes
• When you experience repeated seizures
• If the post seizure effects remain for a prolonged time
• Tremors and Involuntary muscle movements
• Altered state of consciousness

If you experience any symptoms that might get you seizures or convulsions, visit your doctor.