Seizures are sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain. They can cause many symptoms, from loss of consciousness and convulsions to subtle changes in behavior or sensation. Various factors, including brain injury, infection, genetic disorders, and abnormal brain development, can cause seizures Dallas.
Signs to watch out for
When someone experiences a seizure, the symptoms can vary depending on the type of seizure and the area of the brain affected. Some common symptoms of seizures include:
Loss of consciousness or awareness
Loss of consciousness or awareness is a common symptom of seizures. During an attack, the normal electrical activity in the brain becomes disrupted, leading to changes in consciousness or awareness. This can range from a brief period of confusion or stare to a complete loss of consciousness.
In some cases, people may not remember what happened during the seizure or have difficulty recalling events that occurred immediately before or after the seizure. Loss of consciousness or awareness can be a symptom of different types of seizures, including tonic-clonic seizures, absence seizures, and complex partial seizures.
Convulsions or muscle contractions
These symptoms occur when there is abnormal electrical activity in the brain, which causes the muscles to contract and spasm uncontrollably. This can cause a wide range of movements, from small twitching or jerking motions to larger convulsions. In some cases, the person may appear stiff and unresponsive, while in others, they may thrash wildly.
The severity of the convulsions can vary depending on the type of seizure and the area of the brain affected. Convulsions are commonly associated with tonic-clonic seizures, also known as grand mal seizures. This type of seizure typically causes the person to lose consciousness and fall to the ground, followed by jerking and twitching of the limbs and other symptoms.
Rapid eye movements
It is also known as nystagmus and can be a symptom of seizures. This movement may be horizontal, vertical, or a combination of both. In some cases, rapid eye movements can occur without other signs of a seizure. Other conditions, such as inner ear infections, brain tumors, or certain medications, can cause them. It is important to note that not all seizures present with rapid eye movements, and some might not have any eye movement.
Loss of bladder or bowel control
During a seizure, the brain’s activities are disrupted, which can cause muscle contractions and spasms throughout the body. These contractions can affect the bladder and bowel muscles, leading to loss of control over these functions. This can manifest as incontinence of urine or feces or the feeling of urgency to use the bathroom.
Loss of bladder or bowel control can occur during different types of seizures and can be more common with certain types, such as tonic-clonic seizures.
The treatment options for seizures depend on the underlying cause and type. Some common treatments for attacks include:
- Medications: Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are the most common seizure treatment. They work by stabilizing the electrical activity in the brain and reducing the frequency and severity of seizures.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be recommended to remove the part of the brain causing seizures. This is typically considered when seizures are not well controlled with medications or when a specific brain lesion or abnormal brain tissue causes the seizures.
Visit RHBNeuro and speak to your doctor about the seizure attacks.