Causes of seizures
Causes of Seizures
A seizure (pronounced: /ˈsiːʒər/) is a sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain. It can cause changes in behavior, movements or feelings, and levels of consciousness. The term seizure is derived from the Latin word 'saisir', meaning 'to take hold of' or 'to seize'.
There are several causes of seizures, which can be broadly categorized into two groups: idiopathic (unknown cause) and symptomatic (known cause).
Idiopathic Seizures
Idiopathic seizures are those that occur without a known cause. They are often thought to be related to genetic factors, although the exact cause is not always identified.
Symptomatic Seizures
Symptomatic seizures are caused by a specific condition or disease. Some of the most common causes include:
- Epilepsy: This is a chronic disorder that causes unprovoked, recurrent seizures. Epilepsy is often diagnosed after a person has had at least two seizures that were not caused by some known medical condition.
- Brain Tumor: Brain tumors can cause seizures by disrupting the normal electrical activity in the brain.
- Stroke: A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of your brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. This can lead to seizures.
- Traumatic Brain Injury: Seizures can occur after a traumatic brain injury, such as a concussion.
- Infectious Diseases: Certain infectious diseases, such as meningitis, AIDS and viral encephalitis, can cause seizures.
- Metabolic Disorders: Conditions that disrupt the normal metabolism of the body, such as liver failure or low blood sugar, can cause seizures.
- Drug Abuse: Certain drugs, particularly stimulants, can cause seizures.
Related Terms
- Aura: An unusual sensation or feeling that may precede a seizure.
- Status Epilepticus: A condition in which seizures follow one another without recovery of consciousness between them.
- Postictal State: The altered state of consciousness after an epileptic seizure.
- Prodrome: Early symptoms that might indicate the start of a disease before specific symptoms occur.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Causes of seizures
- Wikipedia's article - Causes of seizures
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