A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain. It can cause changes in your behavior, movements or feelings, and in levels of consciousness. Most seizures last from seconds to minutes and usually don’t cause lasting harm. But some seizures cause severe and sometimes permanent disability.
Types of Seizures
Epilepsy is a condition in which a person has recurrent seizures. The seizures associated with epilepsy can vary from brief and nearly undetectable periods to long periods of vigorous shaking. In general, most seizures fall into one of two categories: focal seizures and generalized seizures.
Focal Seizures
Focal seizures, also known as partial seizures, are the most common type of seizure in people with epilepsy. Focal seizures begin in one area of the brain. During a focal seizure, you may or may not lose consciousness. It depends on whether the seizure spreads from the focal point to other areas of the brain. If the seizure does not spread, you may experience altered emotions or sensations, such as fear, joy, nausea, or tingling. You may also experience involuntary jerking of a body part, such as an arm or leg, or some loss of movement or speech.
Generalized Seizures
Generalized seizures are seizures that begin on both sides of the brain. Examples of generalized seizures include tonic-clonic seizures, absence seizures, and myoclonic seizures. Tonic-clonic seizures are the most dramatic type of seizure and can cause a loss of consciousness, body stiffening, and violent muscle contractions. Absence seizures, also known as petit mal seizures, often occur in children and are characterized by a brief loss of consciousness and a blank stare. Myoclonic seizures cause brief jerks or twitches of the arms and legs.
Side Effects of Seizures
Seizures can have a wide range of physical, mental, and emotional side effects. Seizures can cause changes in behavior, including agitation, irritability, confusion, and memory problems. Seizures can also cause physical side effects, such as muscle soreness, weakness, dizziness, headaches, and fatigue. Seizures can even cause changes in mood and emotional states, such as depression, anxiety, and fear.
Long-term Side Effects
In some cases, seizures can have long-term effects. These effects can include memory problems, difficulty concentrating, difficulty learning new information, and changes in behavior and personality. Seizures can also cause physical problems, such as muscle and joint pain, weakness, and numbness in the limbs. Seizures can even cause changes in vision, hearing, and smell.
Risk Factors
The risk of experiencing side effects from seizures varies between individuals. Some people may experience no side effects, while others may experience more severe side effects. Risk factors for experiencing side effects from seizures include age, length of seizure, frequency of seizures, and underlying medical conditions.
Treating Seizures and Side Effects
The most important treatment for seizures is to find the cause and then treat it. Depending on the type of seizure and the underlying cause, treatment may involve medications, lifestyle changes, or surgery. Treatment may also involve psychological treatments to help manage the emotional side effects of seizures.
Medications
Medications are the most common treatment for seizures. These medications can help reduce the frequency and severity of seizures. They may also help reduce the risk of side effects. Commonly prescribed anticonvulsant medications include carbamazepine, phenytoin, valproic acid, and lamotrigine.
Surgery
Surgery may be an option for some people, especially those with focal seizures. The goal of surgery is to remove the area of the brain causing the seizures. Surgery may be recommended if medications are not effective in controlling the seizures.
Conclusion
Seizures can have a wide range of physical, mental, and emotional side effects. The risk of side effects from seizures varies between individuals, and depends on factors such as age, length of seizure, frequency of seizures, and underlying medical conditions. Treatment for seizures may involve medications, lifestyle changes, psychological treatments, or surgery. It is important to talk to your doctor about the potential side effects of seizures and the best treatment options for you.