Seizure Causes: Symptoms and Causes Of Epilepsy and Seizures in Adults and Children
Table of Contents
Understanding seizure causes and epilepsy is crucial for anyone involved in healthcare, education, or community support roles. A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled burst of electrical activity in the brain that can affect behaviour, movements, feelings, and consciousness. While witnessing someone having a seizure can be frightening, having proper knowledge about seizure causes, symptoms, and appropriate responses can make all the difference in providing effective care and support.
What Are Seizures and Epilepsy?
A seizure occurs when there is abnormal electrical activity in the brain, causing temporary disruption to normal brain function. Not everyone who has a seizure has epilepsy. Epilepsy is a neurological condition that causes recurrent seizures, typically defined as having two or more unprovoked seizures. Understanding seizure causes helps in recognising the condition that causes repeated seizures, which affects people of all ages, from infants to elderly adults.
Seizures and epilepsy affect approximately 250,000 Australians, making it one of the most common neurological conditions. People with epilepsy may experience different types of seizures, and the seizure type depends on which area of the brain is affected and how the electrical activity spreads.
Different Types of Seizures
Seizures are classified into several categories based on where they start in the brain and how they affect consciousness and movement. The many types of seizures can be broadly divided into two main categories: focal seizures and generalised seizures. Identifying seizure causes is essential for determining the appropriate classification and treatment approach.
Focal Seizures
Focal seizures, previously called partial seizures, start in one specific part of the brain. These seizures may or may not affect consciousness and can be further divided into:
Focal Aware Seizures: During these seizures, the person remains conscious and aware of their surroundings. Symptoms may include unusual sensations, emotions, or movements in one part of the body.
Focal Impaired Awareness Seizures: These seizures involve altered consciousness or awareness. The person may appear confused, perform repetitive movements, or may not remember the seizure afterwards.
Focal seizures may spread to other parts of the brain, potentially developing into generalised seizures.
Generalised Seizures
Generalised seizures involve both sides of the brain from the onset. The main types of generalised seizures include:
Tonic-Clonic Seizures: Also known as grand mal seizures, these are perhaps the most recognisable type of seizure. A tonic-clonic seizure typically involves loss of consciousness, muscle stiffening (tonic phase), followed by rhythmic jerking movements (clonic phase). The seizure lasts typically between one to three minutes.
Absence Seizures: Previously called petit mal seizures, these brief seizures cause a temporary loss of awareness. The person may appear to be staring blankly and may not respond to their name being called. Absence seizures are more common in children and usually last only a few seconds.
Myoclonic Seizures: These seizures involve sudden, brief muscle jerks that may affect the whole body or just part of the body. They often occur in clusters and are most common upon waking.
Atonic Seizures: Also called “drop attacks,” these involve sudden loss of muscle tone, causing the person to fall or drop their head suddenly.
Clonic Seizures: These seizures cause rhythmic jerking movements and are less common than tonic-clonic seizures.
What Causes Seizures and Epilepsy?
Understanding seizure causes is complex, as there are numerous potential triggers and underlying conditions. The cause of seizures can be broadly categorised into several groups:
Genetic Factors
Some forms of epilepsy have a genetic component, meaning they can run in families. However, having a family history of epilepsy doesn’t guarantee that someone will develop the condition.
Structural Brain Changes
Brain injuries, tumours, strokes, or developmental abnormalities can cause seizures. These structural changes can disrupt normal electrical activity in the brain, leading to seizure activity.
Infectious Causes
Brain infections such as meningitis, encephalitis, or brain abscesses can trigger seizures. In some cases, the infection itself resolves, but seizures may continue if there has been lasting brain damage.
Metabolic Causes
Low blood sugar, low sodium levels, high fever (particularly in children), or other metabolic imbalances can cause seizures. Febrile seizures are particularly common in young children and occur due to rapid rises in body temperature.
Unknown Causes
In many cases of epilepsy, the exact cause remains unknown. This is called idiopathic or cryptogenic epilepsy.
Seizure Triggers
Even in people with epilepsy, seizures don’t necessarily happen randomly. Learning about seizure causes and triggers helps in better management. Common seizure triggers include:
- Stress and lack of sleep
- Flashing lights or visual patterns
- Alcohol withdrawal
- Missed medications
- Hormonal changes
- Illness or fever
- Dehydration
Understanding these seizure triggers can help people with epilepsy better manage their condition and reduce their risk of seizures.
Symptoms of a Seizure
The symptoms of a seizure vary greatly depending on the type of seizure and which part of the brain is affected. Recognising seizure causes can help identify which symptoms are most likely to occur. Symptoms may include:
Before a Seizure (Aura):
- Unusual smells, tastes, or sensations
- Feeling of déjà vu
- Emotional changes
- Visual disturbances
During a Seizure:
- Loss of consciousness or altered awareness
- Muscle stiffening or jerking movements
- Falls or sudden collapse
- Breathing difficulties
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Confusion or unusual behaviour
After a Seizure (Post-ictal phase):
- Confusion and disorientation
- Tiredness or sleepiness
- Headache
- Memory problems
- Difficulty speaking
The person may not remember the seizure or the period immediately following it.
Seizures in Children vs Adults
While the basic mechanisms of seizures are similar across age groups, there are some important differences in seizure causes and presentations:
Seizures in Children
Children are more susceptible to certain types of seizures, particularly febrile seizures, which occur in about 2-5% of children between six months and five years of age. Children with epilepsy may experience different seizure types as they grow, and some childhood epilepsy syndromes may resolve as the child matures.
First Seizure in Adults
A first seizure in adults often prompts more intensive investigation, as it may indicate an underlying brain condition such as a tumour, stroke, or infection. Adult-onset epilepsy may be more likely to have an identifiable cause compared to childhood epilepsy.
How Are Seizures Treated?
The management of seizures and treatment for epilepsy has improved significantly over recent decades. Treatment approaches vary depending on seizure causes and individual patient factors. Treatment options include:
Medication
Anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) are the most common treatment for epilepsy. The choice of medication depends on the seizure type, age of the patient, potential side effects, and other individual factors.
Surgery
For people with focal seizures that don’t respond to medication, epilepsy surgery may be an option. This involves removing the specific area of the brain where seizures start.
Other Treatments
- Vagus nerve stimulation
- Ketogenic diet (particularly effective in children)
- Responsive neurostimulation
- Deep brain stimulation
First Aid: What To Do For Someone Having A Seizure
Knowing how to respond when someone is having a seizure is crucial, regardless of seizure causes. Basic seizure first aid includes:
- Stay calm and time the seizure
- Keep the person safe by moving dangerous objects away
- Do not restrain the person or put anything in their mouth
- Turn the person on their side if possible to keep airways clear
- Stay with the person until they are fully conscious
- Call emergency services if the seizure lasts longer than five minutes, if the person is injured, or if it’s their first seizure
When to Seek Medical Help
Immediate medical attention is needed if any concerning seizure causes or symptoms are present:
- The seizure lasts longer than five minutes
- The person has difficulty breathing after the seizure
- The person doesn’t regain consciousness between seizures
- The person is injured during the seizure
- It’s the person’s first seizure
- The person has diabetes or is pregnant
FAQs
What is a Febrile Seizure?
A febrile seizure is a convulsion that occurs in young children, typically between 6 months and 5 years of age, triggered by a rapid rise in body temperature during fever. These seizures usually last less than 15 minutes and are generally harmless, though they can be very frightening for parents to witness.
Can Dehydration Cause A Seizure?
Yes, severe dehydration can potentially trigger a seizure, particularly in people who already have epilepsy or are predisposed to seizures. Dehydration affects the body’s electrolyte balance, particularly sodium levels, which can disrupt normal brain function. Additionally, dehydration often occurs alongside other seizure triggers such as illness, stress, or missed meals, creating a compound effect.
How Can I Recognise My Own Seizure Symptoms?
Warning signs might include sudden mood changes, unusual smells or tastes, visual disturbances like flashing lights, feelings of fear or euphoria, or tingling sensations in specific body parts. Some people report feeling “not quite right” or having an overwhelming sense of déjà vu.
