Seizures and epilepsy

Overview

Epilepsy is a disorder of the brain that leads to recurrent seizures. There are several types of seizures. The cause can be identified in some people, while it is considered idiopathic in others. Symptoms of seizures vary widely. Some people may experience a loss of awareness, while others don't. A few people stare blankly for a few seconds while having a seizure attack. In others, there might be twitching of arms and legs. At Aster Hospitals, we are equipped with the latest technology to provide the best treatment to our patients. Seizures and epilepsy can be debilitating for many people.

Having a single seizure episode usually does not mean you have epilepsy. A diagnosis of epilepsy is made if one has had at least two unprovoked seizures 24 hours apart. Unprovoked seizures usually do not have an identifiable cause.

Symptoms of seizures can depend on the type of seizure. Epilepsy is caused by specific activity in the brain; it can affect any brain process. The various symptoms of seizures include:

• Temporary confusion

• Staring continuously

• Stiff muscles

• Jerky movements of the arms and legs that are uncontrollable

• Loss of consciousness or awareness

• Symptoms like fear and anxiety

Seizures can be grouped into focal or generalized based on the site of origin of seizures. When the seizures occur due to activity in just one part of the brain, they are called focal seizures.

These focal seizures usually fall into two categories.

Focal seizures without loss of consciousness

Also known as simple partial seizures, these seizures do not cause loss of consciousness. Such seizures may alter emotions or change how things look, feel, taste, or sound. Some people may experience involuntary jerky movements of arms and legs and spontaneous sensory symptoms such as tingling, dizziness, and flashing lights.

Focal seizures with impaired awareness

Also known as partial seizures, these types involve loss of consciousness. While experiencing a focal seizure with impaired awareness, people may stare into space and do not respond in typical ways to the environmental stimulus. Specific repetitive movements like rubbing hands, chewing, swallowing, or walking in circles may be performed.

Types of Focal Seizures

The different types of focal seizures include:

Frontal lobe seizures

Frontal lobe seizures originate in the front of the brain, which controls the movement of the brain. Frontal lobe lesions cause the person to move their heads or eyes to one side. They generally don't respond when spoken to. They may extend one arm and flex the other arm. They may make repetitive movements like rocking or pedaling.

Temporal lobe seizures

Temporal lobe seizures begin in the brain region called the temporal lobe. The temporal lobes process emotions and play a role in short-term memory. Seizures are usually associated with aura. The aura may include sudden emotions such as joy, fear, a rising sensation in the stomach, or a feeling of déjà vu.

Occipital lobe seizures

Occipital seizures begin in the occipital lobe of the brain. This lobe affects vision and how people see. People having these types of seizures experience hallucinations. These seizures may cause frequent blinking of the eyes.

Generalized seizures

Seizures that appear in all areas of the brain are called generalized seizures. Generalized seizures include:

• Absence seizures

Absence seizures were previously known as petit mal seizures. It occurs typically in children. Symptoms of absence seizures include staring into the space with or without subtle body movements. These seizures occur in clusters and cause a brief loss of awareness.

• Tonic seizures

Tonic seizures may affect consciousness and cause the muscles to stiffen.

• Atonic seizures

Atonic seizures, also known as drop seizures, cause loss of muscle control. One may experience sudden collapse or fall as it affects the legs.

• Clonic seizures

Clonic seizures are associated with repeated jerky movements of the muscles. These seizures usually involve the neck, face, and arms.

• Myoclonic seizures

They appear as sudden, brief jerks or twitches that affect the upper body, arms, or legs.

Health Conditions Treated

• Seizure

• Epilepsy