An epileptic seizure is a sudden surge of abnormal electrical activity in the brain that temporarily alters awareness, movement, sensation, or behavior. Seizures may appear as brief staring spells, involuntary jerking of the arms and legs, loss of consciousness, or unusual sensations. While a single seizure can occur in anyone under certain conditions, recurrent unprovoked seizures are characteristic of epilepsy.
Causes and Risk Factors of Epileptic Seizure
- Neurological conditions: Epilepsy, stroke, brain tumors, traumatic brain injury, brain infections such as meningitis or encephalitis.
- etabolic issues: Low blood sugar, abnormal sodium or calcium levels, kidney or liver failure.
- Other triggers: Sleep deprivation, alcohol withdrawal, certain medications or recreational drugs, flashing lights in photosensitive epilepsy.
- Risk factors: Family history of seizures, prior brain injury, dementia, or conditions that increase stroke risk.
When to Seek Medical Care
- A seizure lasts longer than five minutes
- eizures occur in clusters without recovery between episodes
- Breathing, consciousness, or movement does not return to normal afterward
- A seizure occurs for the first time or in someone with known epilepsy who develops new symptoms
People with recurrent seizures should follow up regularly with a neurologist for evaluation and treatment planning.