A seizure is an unexpected burst of electrical activity in the brain. It can cause some changes in behaviour, feelings, movements and consciousness. Epilepsy is specified as having two or more seizures within 24 hours that don’t have any known cause. Not all seizures are caused by epilepsy. There are different types of seizures, and they have extended symptoms and vary in how they affect your daily life. The type of seizure varies in terms of where they begin in the brain and how much they spread. Most of the seizures last for 30 seconds to 2 minutes. The seizure that lasts for more than 5 minutes requires immediate medical treatment. A seizure may happen after a head injury or stroke. Any infection or allergy may also be the cause of a seizure. Most of the seizures can be managed with medications, but they may have some effects. Consult with your professional healthcare provider to manage the seizures and be aware of the side effects of the medicines. Through this blog, you will get to know about the causes and symptoms of seizures in detail. 

Causes Of Seizures

Seizures can be caused by a change in nerve cell communication in the brain. In the brain, nerve cells create, send and receive electrical signals. Nerve cells are also called neurons. The electrical signals allow the nerve cells or neurons to communicate. Anything that gets in the pathway of communication causes a seizure. Some types of seizures are caused by changes in genes. The most important cause of the seizure is epilepsy. But everyone who deals with seizures cannot deal with epilepsy. Due to the following reasons, seizures can cause:-

• Seizures caused by high fever are called febrile seizures.
• Infection in the brain that may include encephalitis and meningitis.
• Lack of sleep
• Low level of blood sodium. This happens when you take the medicines that make you urinate. 
• Medicines that treat depression or pain 
• An active or new brain injury that causes bleeding in the areas of the brain
• Use of drugs that include cocaine and amphetamines. 
• Misuse of alcohol, Seizures can also occur from too much consumption of alcohol.   

Symptoms Of Seizures 

Symptoms of seizures depend on the type of seizures. They can range from mild to serious. The symptoms of seizure include:-

• Temporary confusion 
• Lapse of awareness
• Shaking movement of legs and arms that cannot be stopped 
• Loss of consciousness 
• Changes in emotions or thinking. That may include anxiety, fear or a feeling of already living the moment.

Most of the seizures fall into the two categories of generalised and focal. The categories are based on where and how the brain activity causing the seizure began. 

Focal seizures are the seizures that result from the electrical activity in the area of the brain. This can happen without or with passing out, known as losing consciousness. While the generalised seizures involve all areas of the brain from the time they begin.  

Conclusion 

Understanding the causes and symptoms of seizures is important for their prevention and effective management. The single seizure will not indicate epilepsy. To identify the triggers that range from genetic factors to imbalance, including lack of sleep and high fever, which helps to prevent future risk. But for the serious condition, if seizures last for more than 5 minutes, then consult with a psychiatrist at Manas Hospital. Dr. Anshul Mahajan and Dr. Akshit Mahajan. We offer you integrated and innovative services to address all your issues related to your mental health. Our clinic offers you first-class treatment with personalised care so that you feel comfortable. 

FAQ’S 

How long does the treatment for seizures last?

The duration for treatment depends on the severity of the condition, but the standard duration is 90 days.

What happens when a seizure happens in the brain?

When a seizure occurs, it disrupts the neurological functions of the brain.