Seizure episodes occur when there is abnormal electrical activity in the brain, which may manifest as involuntary movements, changes in behavior, or altered consciousness.
Seizures
Seizures are episodes of disorganized electrical activity in the brain that temporarily disrupt normal functions and can cause various symptoms depending on the area of the brain affected. Among the most common signs are sudden movements, muscle stiffness, loss of consciousness, post-episode confusion, and even sensory phenomena such as flashes of light or buzzing sounds.
Not all seizures are visually noticeable; they can also be subtle, such as fixed stares or minor twitching.
Seizure episodes are a broader category that includes any type of seizure and can occur in people of all ages. Conditions associated with seizure episodes include:
- Epilepsy, a chronic disorder characterized by recurrent seizures.
- Traumatic brain injuries.
- Infections such as meningitis or encephalitis.
- Brain tumors.
- Metabolic imbalances such as hypoglycemia or hyponatremia.
The difference between seizures and seizure episodes lies in the fact that a seizure refers to the sudden, involuntary muscle movements caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain, typically affecting the legs, arms, or the entire body. However, the term seizure episode encompasses not only motor seizures but also other types of events caused by abnormal brain activity, such as absence seizures, which are brief losses of consciousness without sudden movements, or focal seizures, which may involve unusual sensations or localized movements. Therefore, all seizures are seizure episodes, but not all seizure episodes necessarily involve body movements.
Types of Seizures
Seizures are classified based on their origin and clinical manifestations, with the main types being:
- Focal seizures: originate in a specific area of the brain and can be simple, without affecting the person’s level of consciousness, or complex, where consciousness is altered and repetitive behaviors may occur.
- Generalized seizures: these involve both cerebral hemispheres from the onset and can include tonic-clonic seizures, characterized by muscle stiffness followed by rapid movements; absence seizures, which cause brief losses of consciousness; myoclonic seizures, with sudden and brief muscle jerks; atonic seizures, with a sudden loss of muscle tone; and tonic seizures, with prolonged muscle stiffness.
- Unclassified seizures: Some seizures do not clearly fit into the above categories due to their complexity or lack of information.
Why Seizures Occur
Seizure episodes can happen for various reasons—some temporary, others permanent—ranging from medical conditions to environmental triggers. Common causes include:
- Epilepsy: One of the main causes of recurrent seizures, marked by a predisposition to experience seizures due to neuronal activity disturbances.
- High fever: In children under five, high fever may cause febrile seizures, which do not necessarily indicate an underlying neurological disorder but still require appropriate pediatric follow-up.
- Brain damage: Injuries such as traumatic brain injury, infections like meningitis, or strokes can disrupt normal brain function and trigger seizures.
- Metabolic imbalances: Abnormal levels of sodium, calcium, potassium, or glucose in the blood can affect brain activity and cause seizures.
- Toxic exposure: Excessive consumption of drugs, alcohol, or certain medications can impair brain function, as can exposure to toxic substances.
- External stimuli: Factors such as sleep deprivation, extreme stress, flashing lights, or hormonal changes can be triggers for individuals with higher susceptibility.
The management of seizure episodes depends on the underlying cause. Prevention plays a key role, and it’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, avoid known triggers, and follow prescribed medical treatment.
Although seizure episodes are complex events with various causes, proper identification, classification, and treatment are essential to improving the quality of life for affected patients.
In the Neurological Center of ABC Medical Center we can give you specialized care. Contact us!
Fuentes:
Kids Health, MSD Manuals, MedlinePlus
