Seizure
A seizure is a symptom, not a disease. It happens when nerve cells in the brain function abnormally and there is a sudden abnormal electrical signal in the brain. The seizure can cause strange sensations and behavior and sometimes muscle spasms and a change in or loss of consciousness.
The 2 most common types of seizures are:
- focal or partial seizures, which begin in a specific area of the brain but sometimes may spread to involve all of the brain
- generalized seizures, which seem to involve all of the brain from the start of the seizure.
Partial seizures may cause some numbness or jerking of the limbs, but the common feature is the presence of sensing something that others aren't aware of. For example, you may see flashing lights, have the sensation of a particular taste, or hear noises. With partial seizures you may be awake and remember what happened or you may lose consciousness briefly.
Generalized seizures are further divided into 2 types of seizures based on the pattern of the attack:
- Grand mal seizure: a generalized seizure that starts with a loss of consciousness and falling down, followed by a brief period of rigid muscles and a 1- to 2-minute period of violent, rhythmic jerking. The seizure ends with a few minutes of deep sleep before you return to consciousness. You will probably not remember the seizure and be drowsy for hours after the seizure.
- Absence or petit mal seizure: a short period of staring, fluttering eyelids, or twitching of facial muscles. Each seizure may last only 10 to 30 seconds, but hundreds may happen each day. Usually you do not remember the seizure. Petit mal seizures usually begin when you are a child.
A nearly constant series of seizures or one prolonged seizure, usually a grand mal type, is called status epilepticus. It can be life threatening and is treated as a medical emergency.
| Service Name | Appointment |
|---|---|
| Adult Neurosurgery - Epilepsy Surgery Program | 734-936-7010 |
