How to Understand the Causes of Seizures

A seizure is a series of uncontrollable muscular contractions that may affect the whole body, or part of it. A seizure is often followed by memory loss; brain damage can occur if a seizure is prolonged or severe.

Instructions

• 1

  Consider that seizures have many possible causes, and don't always indicate epilepsy. They can be genetic, or occur for no reason.

• 2

  Realize that a seizure can be caused by a head injury. A sudden, forceful impact to brain tissue can result in electrical disturbances that lead to seizure.

• 3

  Watch for seizures in a feverish child. Increased temperature creates electrical disturbances in the brain. This condition can also be called "infantile spasm" or "febrile seizure."

• 4

  Know that a seizure can occur as a symptom of central nervous system infections, like meningitis and encephalitis.

• 5

  Consider that brain tumors, brain cancer and stroke can all cause seizures.

• 6

  Consider that eclampsia, a disease that occurs during pregnancy, can cause seizures.

• 7

  Understand that seizures can be caused by tetanus.

• 8

  Expect a seizure during drug withdrawal or drug overdose. Crack cocaine is a common seizure-causing drug.

• 9

  Watch for seizure activity anytime the brain is deprived of oxygen, like after a drowning or choking.

• 10

  Know that seizure activity is common in infants who experience trauma while being born.