Related concepts:

Seizure disorders; convulsions; absence seizures, generalized seizures, partial seizures, grand mal epilepsy, petit mal epilepsy, tonic-seizures

Introduction to epilepsy:

Normally, our brains coordinate the intricate affairs of our bodies with an orchestra of electrical impulses. Occasionally this harmonious energy is interrupted by the clash of many brain cells sounding off at once in a disorganized storm of electro-chemical noise. This burst of simultaneous, contradictory signals is called a seizure or convulsion. The seizure impulses override the normal functioning of the brain.

What is epilepsy?

The most common cause of seizures in childhood is the rapid onset of a high fever. Febrile seizures, while very frightening to parents, are generally not dangerous.

Head trauma is another common cause of seizures. Infections of various types (especially meningitis) are the other common known cause of seizures. Other less common causes include drugs, toxins, brain tumors, strokes, neurologic syndromes, altered blood sugar levels (too low or too high), or abnormalities of blood levels of sodium, calcium, or magnesium.

Night terrors, breath-holding spells, and Tourette syndrome can be confused with seizures, and vice versa.

Epilepsy is defined as recurrent seizures unrelated to fever or identifiable acute damage to the brain.

Who gets epilepsy?

About 5 percent of children will have a seizure before the age of fifteen. Somewhere between 0.4 and 1 percent of people have epilepsy. Epilepsy can begin at any age, but it usually begins during childhood.

What are the symptoms of epilepsy?

When most people think of seizures, they picture rhythmic jerking movements of the arms and legs. Seizures can look like this, but can also have many different appearances depending on which brain cells are affected. Often the actual appearance of a seizure is so different from what people expect that the diagnosis of seizure is missed. In some children with absence seizures, the only symptom may be staring off in space.

Seizures are classified as generalized or partial depending on how much of the brain is involved. Seizure activity seizes control of normal brain function. Some partial seizures affect areas of the brain that direct movement; others stimulate areas of the brain that perceive reality or that regulate the body's internal functions.

Generalized Seizures

Generalized seizures are disruptions of both sides of the brain at once, and as a result, usually include an impairment or loss of consciousness. The classic tonic-clonic or grand mal seizure would be difficult not to notice. The individual suddenly loses consciousness, sometimes emitting a piercing cry or haunting moan. The eyes roll back in the head and muscles throughout the face, trunk, and limbs become rigid in a tonic contraction. The person falls, unprotected, to the ground. Often the tongue is bitten. Sometimes breathing stops and the person begins to turn blue. Sphincter control is lost; urine and sometimes stool are passed.