How to Understand the Causes of Seizures
A seizure is a series of uncontrollable muscular contractions that may affect the whole body, or part of it. A seizure is often followed by memory loss; brain damage can occur if a seizure is prolonged or severe.
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Instructions
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Consider that seizures have many possible causes, and don't always indicate epilepsy. They can be genetic, or occur for no reason.
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Realize that a seizure can be caused by a head injury. A sudden, forceful impact to brain tissue can result in electrical disturbances that lead to seizure.
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Watch for seizures in a feverish child. Increased temperature creates electrical disturbances in the brain. This condition can also be called "infantile spasm" or "febrile seizure."
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Know that a seizure can occur as a symptom of central nervous system infections, like meningitis and encephalitis.
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Consider that brain tumors, brain cancer and stroke can all cause seizures.
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Consider that eclampsia, a disease that occurs during pregnancy, can cause seizures.
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Understand that seizures can be caused by tetanus.
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Expect a seizure during drug withdrawal or drug overdose. Crack cocaine is a common seizure-causing drug.
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Watch for seizure activity anytime the brain is deprived of oxygen, like after a drowning or choking.
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Know that seizure activity is common in infants who experience trauma while being born.
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Tips & Warnings
Seizures are classified as "partial" (beginning locally, in one group of muscles) or "generalized" (occurring with bilateral symmetry). Most times, partial seizures do not involve complete loss of consciousness.
