Seizures

• Seizures can occur once or repeatedly
• Not all seizures involve convulsions
• Epilepsy is a condition characterized by recurrent seizures
• Seizures can affect people of all ages
• Proper diagnosis helps guide effective treatment

Seizure symptoms vary depending on the type and part of the brain affected. Symptoms may include:

• Temporary confusion or loss of awareness
• Uncontrolled jerking or shaking movements
• Staring spells
• Sudden muscle stiffness or limpness
• Changes in sensation, vision, or hearing
• Brief loss of consciousness

Seizures can occur for many reasons and may be triggered by underlying medical conditions or temporary factors. Common causes include:

• Epilepsy
• Head injury or trauma
• Stroke or brain injury
• Brain infections
• High fever (especially in children)
• Metabolic imbalances
• Withdrawal from alcohol or certain medications

You may be at higher risk for seizures if you:

• Have a history of brain injury or stroke
• Have epilepsy or a family history of seizures
• Have infections affecting the brain
• Experience metabolic or electrolyte imbalances
• Use or withdraw from certain substances

Treatment depends on the cause, frequency, and type of seizures. Options may include:

• Anti-seizure medications
• Treatment of underlying conditions
• Lifestyle modifications to reduce triggers
• Dietary therapy in select cases
• Surgical or device-based therapies for uncontrolled seizures
• Ongoing neurological monitoring

See a doctor after a first seizure, if seizures recur, worsen, or change in pattern, or if a seizure lasts longer than a few minutes. Seek emergency care for prolonged seizures, repeated seizures without recovery, or injury during a seizure.