Epileptic Seizure: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

According to the World Health Organization, around 50 million people are living with epilepsy globally. It is among the most prevalent neurological diseases. Epileptic Seizures occur when the brain’s electrical activity becomes abnormal. It might lead to sudden changes in behavior, sensation, or movement. Although epileptic seizures can be frightening to witness. Not all of them are life-threatening, and their severity varies. Some may last only a few seconds, while others can go on for several minutes, causing confusion or even unconsciousness. Those who are battling with the condition may get help by understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment. Let us start by understanding what epilepsy is.

What Does Epileptic Seizure Mean?

An epileptic seizure happens when the brain experiences an abrupt and intense spike in electrical activity. The brain normally works through electrical signals that pass between nerve cells. However, during a seizure, this communication is disrupted because of an imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory signals in the brain. This results in clinical manifestations of seizures. 

Seizures may vary, such as absence, atonic, or myoclonic seizures. Some people may experience brief moments of staring, confusion or blinking. Others might lose consciousness or have uncontrolled movements. These episodes last anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes.

8 Common Causes of Epileptic Seizures

Various factors can cause seizures, and in some cases, the cause remains unknown, and these are often referred to as “idiopathic” seizures. However, certain risk factors make seizures more likely. Here are some of the main causes of getting epileptic seizures: 

• Genetics

Epilepsy can be hereditary, meaning it can run in families. Some types of epilepsy have been linked to specific genes that affect how the brain functions. If someone in your family has epilepsy, your risk of having seizures may be higher.

• Head Injuries

A traumatic brain injury (TBI), such as one caused by a car accident, fall, or sports injury, can lead to seizures. The injury may disrupt normal brain function and cause electrical signals to misfire. In some cases, these seizures can occur immediately after the injury. However, in others, they might develop days, weeks, or even years later, known as post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE). 

• Brain Conditions

Conditions that affect the structure of the brain, such as tumors, strokes, or infections, can lead to seizures. For instance, a stroke can cut off blood flow to parts of the brain, damaging tissue and leading to epilepsy.

• Infections

Some infections affect the brain and can increase the likelihood of seizures. Examples of infections are meningitis or encephalitis. These infections cause inflammation in the brain, which can disrupt its electrical activity.

• Prenatal Injuries

In some cases, problems before birth can affect a baby’s brain and lead to epilepsy later in life. These issues can be caused by infections the mother has during pregnancy, poor nutrition, or lack of oxygen during birth. 

Complications during delivery, such as prolonged labor or trauma, can also result in brain damage, which increases the risk of epilepsy in the child.

• Developmental Disorders

People with developmental conditions such as autism or neurodevelopmental disorders may be more prone to seizures. Moreover, conditions like cerebral palsy are also linked to epilepsy.

• Drug and Alcohol Use

Heavy use of drugs or alcohol or sudden withdrawal from these substances can trigger seizures. Drugs that affect the central nervous system, such as cocaine or ecstasy, can alter brain activity in ways that lead to seizures.

• Metabolic Problems

People with imbalances in the body can also trigger seizures. The imbalances may include low blood sugar, dehydration, or imbalanced electrolytes. This is especially true in people who are already prone to epilepsy.

How Many Types of Seizures People Usually Experience?

Now that we know what causes epilepsy, let us see what are the types of seizures. Epileptic seizures are classified into two broad categories: focal seizures and generalized seizures. They differ in symptoms and treatment approach followed. Hence, you must learn to identify each to get more personalized help from a professional: 

1. Focal Seizures

Focal seizures affect only one part of the brain and can be classified into two subtypes:

• Simple Focal Seizures: These seizures don’t cause a loss of consciousness, but the person may experience unusual sensations, feelings, or jerky movements. They might suddenly smell something strange, feel a wave of fear, or have a tingling sensation in part of their body.
• Complex Focal Seizures: These seizures involve a loss of awareness or consciousness. A person may stare blankly into space, make repetitive movements, or behave in an unusual way, but they are unaware of their actions.

2. Generalized Seizures

Generalized seizures affect both sides of the brain and tend to cause more severe symptoms. These include:

• Absence Seizures: These are brief periods where a person may stare into space or blink rapidly. These are sometimes called “petit mal” seizures and often go unnoticed because they last only a few seconds.
• Tonic-Clonic Seizures: These seizures, also known as “grand mal” seizures, cause a combination of muscle stiffness (tonic phase) and convulsions or jerking movements (clonic phase). The person may lose consciousness and fall to the ground. Afterwards, they may feel confused or tired.
• Myoclonic Seizures: These seizures cause sudden, brief jerking movements, usually affecting the arms or legs. They can occur as a single episode or in clusters.
• Atonic Seizures: In these seizures, the person’s muscles suddenly relax, causing them to collapse. This is also known as a “drop attack.”

Common Seizure Symptoms to Look Out For

Seizures can happen without warning, and their intensity can vary from mild to severe. After a seizure, the person may feel tired, confused, or unable to speak for a short time. The symptoms depend on the type of seizure, but here are some common epilepsy symptoms to watch for:

• Uncontrollable Jerking Movements (Convulsions)

During a seizure, the person might experience sudden, violent shaking. These convulsions are caused by abnormal brain activity and can last from a few seconds to a few minutes. The person often has no control over their movements.

• Stiffening of the Body

Some seizures cause the body to become rigid and stiff suddenly. This can affect all or part of the body and can even result in a fall. The person may appear frozen or tense for a brief period.

• Loss of Consciousness or Awareness

In some cases, the person may lose awareness during a seizure. They may seem unresponsive or pass out completely. This can be dangerous, especially if it happens while driving or doing other tasks that need full attention.

• Temporary Confusion or Memory Loss

After a seizure, the person may feel disoriented or confused. They might not remember the seizure or what happened right before it. However, this confusion usually passes after a short time.

• Repetitive Movements like Lip-Smacking or Blinking

Some seizures cause the person to repeat movements, such as smacking their lips, blinking, or rubbing their hands together. These movements are usually unconscious and might seem out of place for the situation.

• Sudden Staring Spells

Absence seizures often cause a brief period where the person stares blankly into space. They may not respond to sounds or movement for a few seconds, then suddenly snap back to normal without realizing they had a seizure.

• Strange Sensations, Like Tingling or Unusual Smells

Some people experience unusual sensations before or during a seizure. This could include a tingling feeling, odd tastes, or smells that aren’t really there. These are called auras and can be a warning sign of an upcoming seizure.

Read More: All You Need to Know about Responding to an Emergency Situation

How Doctors Detect and Diagnose Epilepsy?

Diagnosing epilepsy requires several steps. First, the doctor determines the cause of seizures and confirms the condition. Then, the doctor examines the patient’s medical history and performs some tests.

• An electroencephalogram (EEG) will be performed to measure the electrical activity in the brain. In this, small sensors are placed on the scalp. They can detect abnormal patterns that suggest epilepsy.
• MRI or CT scans can provide detailed images of the brain’s structure. These scans can also reveal abnormalities causing seizures, such as tumors or scar tissue.
• Blood test reports can check for infections, genetic conditions, or other issues. However, blood tests are not always sufficient to diagnose genetic epilepsy. 

Effective Ways to Manage and Treat Epilepsy

There’s no cure for epilepsy, but there are treatments that can help manage seizures. The right treatment depends on the type of seizure and the individual’s overall health. Here are the main epilepsy treatment options are:

1. Medications

Anti-seizure medications, also known as anticonvulsants, are the most common treatment for epilepsy. Commonly used drugs include Acetazolamide (Diamox), Clobazam (Onfi), and Diazepam (Valium). These drugs help control electrical activity in the brain and reduce the likelihood of seizures. Finding the right medication and dosage may take some time, as each person responds differently. However, many people with epilepsy can live seizure-free with the right medication.

2. Surgery

In cases where medication doesn’t work, surgery may be an option. The part of the brain where the seizure originates from is removed. Surgery is only recommended if the seizures come from a small, well-defined area of the brain, and removing it won’t interfere with vital functions like speech or movement. 

One of the common types of epilepsy surgery includes temporal lobe resection, which has a mortality rate of 1.4%. This is performed to lower the number of seizures and make them less severe for the patient. 

3. Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)

This treatment involves implanting a device under the skin in the chest that sends electrical signals to the brain via the vagus nerve. It can reduce the frequency and severity of seizures.

4. Ketogenic Diet

Some people with epilepsy, especially children, may benefit from a ketogenic diet. This high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet changes the way the body uses energy, which can help reduce seizures in some cases.

5. Responsive Neurostimulation (RNS)

RNS is a newer treatment option in which a device is implanted in the brain that detects abnormal electrical activity and responds by delivering electrical stimulation to stop seizures before they start.

First Aid for Seizures

Seizures can be frightening, but most of them are not life-threatening. With the first aid steps, the patient can get the care they need during and after a seizure. The steps are given below:

• Stay Calm: Seizures can be scary, but it’s important to stay calm and reassure others around you.
• Protect the Person from Harm: Move any sharp or hard objects out of the way to prevent injury. To keep the person’s airway clear, gently roll them onto their side.
• Time of the Seizure: If the seizure lasts longer than five minutes, seek medical help immediately.
• Do Not Hold Them Down: Never try to hold someone down during a seizure, and don’t put anything in their mouth. Contrary to popular belief, they can’t swallow their tongue.
• Remain with them: Following the seizure, the individual might be bewildered or disoriented. Stay by their side until they get well.

Read More: 6 Ways to Get Self-Paced First Aid Classes Near Me

Advances in Epilepsy Treatment and Research

There is ongoing research into new treatments and therapies for epilepsy. Scientists are working to understand the causes of seizures better and develop more effective ways to prevent and treat them. Some of the latest advancements include:

• Gene Therapy: This experimental approach aims to treat epilepsy by targeting and correcting genetic mutations that cause seizures. Although it is still in the early stages, it shows promise for the future.
• New Medications: Researchers are constantly developing new anti-seizure drugs with fewer side effects and greater effectiveness. This gives patients more options for managing their condition.
• Improved Surgical Techniques: Advancements in brain imaging and minimally invasive surgery are making it easier to pinpoint and remove the areas of the brain responsible for seizures. These improvements reduce risks and recovery time for patients undergoing surgery.
• Wearable Devices: New technologies are being developed to help predict and monitor seizures. Some wearable devices can detect the signs of an oncoming seizure and alert the person or caregivers, providing extra time to prepare or seek help.

Take Control of Your Epileptic Seizures!

Epileptic seizures can be a challenging condition to live with. If you receive the right care, treatment, and lifestyle adjustments, you can lead a fulfilling life. With learning the causes and symptoms of epilepsy, you can go for early diagnosis and effective management. If you or a loved one is experiencing seizures, you should consult a healthcare professional to determine the best course of action. Want to learn how to respond during a medical emergency? First Aid training can prepare you to act confidently when someone needs help. Sign up for a course today and be ready to make a difference!