Seizure

Seizures are sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain that can cause changes in behavior, movements, feelings, or consciousness. They can occur at any age and vary widely in severity and type.

Causes

Seizures can result from various conditions, including:

• Neurological disorders: Epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, or stroke.
• Infections: Meningitis, encephalitis, or fever (febrile seizures in children).
• Metabolic imbalances: Hypoglycemia, hyponatremia, or hypoxia.
• Substance-related issues: Drug overdose, alcohol withdrawal, or toxic exposures.
• Genetic conditions: Inherited syndromes or chromosomal abnormalities.

Symptoms

The manifestations depend on the seizure type but may include:

• Generalized seizures: Unconsciousness, stiffening or jerking movements (tonic-clonic), or brief lapses in awareness (absence seizures).
• Focal seizures: Altered sensations, twitching in specific body parts, or confusion.
• Aura: Warning signs like unusual smells, visual disturbances, or anxiety may precede a seizure.

Treatment

Treatment aims to control seizures and address the underlying cause:

• Medications: Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) like levetiracetam, carbamazepine, or valproate are common.
• Lifestyle adjustments: Regular sleep, balanced diet, and stress reduction.
• Treating triggers: Managing infections, metabolic imbalances, or injuries.
• Emergency care: For prolonged seizures (status epilepticus), intravenous medications like benzodiazepines are used.
• Surgical options: In refractory epilepsy, procedures like vagus nerve stimulation or lesion removal may help.
• Diet therapy: Ketogenic or low-glycemic index diets can reduce seizures in some cases.