seizure risks and benefits for patients

Overview

A seizure is a sudden burst of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. It can cause changes in movement, behavior, feelings, or awareness. Seizures can be a one-time event or a sign of a condition like epilepsy.

Seizures are fairly common. About 1 in 10 people will have a seizure at some point in their life.

Seizures can affect people of all ages, but they are most common in young children and older adults.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Shaking or jerking movements of the arms and legs
• Staring blankly for a few seconds
• Confusion or loss of awareness
• Uncontrolled muscle twitching
• Falling down suddenly

Symptoms in children

• Sudden stiffening of the body
• Breathing changes or brief pauses in breathing
• Unusual crying, screaming, or fear
• Loss of bladder control

Symptoms in older adults

• Brief episodes of confusion or memory lapses
• Dizziness or feeling off-balance
• Staring spells that are not typical
• Temporary trouble speaking or understanding

Causes

Main causes

• Head injury or trauma
• Stroke or brain hemorrhage
• Brain infections such as meningitis or encephalitis
• Genetic conditions
• Unknown causes (idiopathic)

Risk factors

• Being very young or older adult
• Family history of seizures or epilepsy
• History of head injury
• Stroke or other blood vessel problems in the brain
• Certain medical conditions like brain tumors or Alzheimer's disease

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have your first ever seizure, you should see a doctor right away or go to an emergency room.
• If you have a seizure that lasts more than 5 minutes, or you have multiple seizures without waking up in between.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have had more than one seizure and have not been evaluated by a specialist.
• If you have ongoing seizures despite treatment, talk to your neurologist.

Diagnosis

Doctors diagnose seizures using your medical history, a description of the event, and tests to see the electrical activity of your brain and rule out other conditions.

Tests that may be done

• Electroencephalogram (EEG) – records electrical activity in the brain
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) – looks for structural problems in the brain
• Blood tests – check for infections or chemical imbalances
• Sometimes a CT scan (computed tomography) if MRI is not possible

What to expect at your appointment

You will likely be referred to a neurologist, a doctor who specializes in brain and nerve conditions. They will ask you in detail about what happens before, during, and after the seizure. You may be asked to keep a diary of events.

Treatment

The main goal of treatment is to stop or reduce the number of seizures with the fewest side effects. Treatment is tailored to each person based on the type of seizures and the underlying cause.

Self-care at home

• Get enough sleep – lack of sleep can trigger seizures.
• Take any prescribed medication exactly as directed.
• Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs, which can increase seizure risk.
• Identify and avoid personal seizure triggers, such as flashing lights or stress.

Medical treatments

Doctors often prescribe antiepileptic medications (also called anti-seizure drugs). These medicines work by calming the abnormal electrical activity in the brain. There are many types, and your doctor will help choose the one that is best for you. Starting with a low dose and slowly increasing may reduce side effects. Never stop or change medication without talking to your doctor.

When is surgery considered?

If seizures are not controlled with medication, surgery may be an option. This involves removing the small part of the brain where seizures start. Surgery is considered only after careful testing shows it is safe and likely to help.

Living with this condition

Living with seizures can be challenging, but many people lead full lives. It is important to follow your treatment plan, avoid triggers, and take safety precautions like not driving until cleared by your doctor.

Lifestyle tips

• Maintain a regular sleep schedule.
• Learn stress management techniques like deep breathing or meditation.
• Avoid activities that could be dangerous if you have a seizure, such as swimming alone or climbing ladders.

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is good for overall health. Regular exercise can help reduce stress and improve mood. Always check with your doctor before starting a new exercise routine, and stay hydrated.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Seizures can cause anxiety, depression, or fear of the next seizure. It is normal to feel this way. Talk to your doctor or a counselor if you are struggling with your emotions.

Prevention

Not all seizures can be prevented, but you can lower your risk by managing underlying conditions (like high blood pressure), protecting your head from injury, and avoiding known triggers. Taking your medication as prescribed is the best way to prevent seizures.

Complications

If left untreated

• Injury from falls or accidents during a seizure
• Status epilepticus – a prolonged seizure that can be life-threatening
• Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) – rare but possible
• Memory problems or difficulty with learning over time

Long-term outlook

Most people with seizures can achieve good control with proper treatment. Many become seizure-free and live full, active lives. Even if seizures are not completely controlled, there are many ways to reduce their impact and stay safe. Your healthcare team is there to help you find the best plan.

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