Seizure Disorders

Definition

Seizures occur when nerve cells in your body misfire. Types of seizures vary. Recurrent seizures from one of many chronic processes are considered epilepsy. However, seizures are not considered to be epilepsy if they occur only once or are correctable.

Seizures are caused by hyperexcitable nerve cells in the brain (cerebral cortex) that fire abnormally. No one knows why this happens. The following conditions are associated with seizure activity: central nervous system infection (bacterial meningitis, encephalitis), drug toxicity or withdrawal, genetic mutations, head trauma, electrolyte or metabolic abnormalities, drugs that lower the seizure threshold, high fevers, brain abnormalities, low sugar and low calcium levels in the blood.

Signs & Symptoms

Individuals experiencing seizure disorder may exhibit some or all of the following symptoms:

• Aura (before generalized seizures), including lethargy, depression, irritability, involuntary jerks of limbs, abdominal pains, pale complexion, headache, constipation, or diarrhea
• Loss of consciousness
• Total body muscle spasms
• Temporary cessation of breathing
• Bluish color of skin and mucous membranes
• Dilated pupils that do not react to light
• Bowel or bladder incontinence
• Increased pulse and blood pressure
• Increased salivation and sweating
• Deep coma, post-seizure confusion, and deep sleep

Treatment

Find a Therapist