Seizure Disorder—Adult

See also:

• Seizure—Child
• Seizure Disorder—Child

Definition

A seizure is sudden and abnormal electrical activity in the brain. A seizure disorder is when a person has two or more seizures that are not due to illness or another trigger. This is also known as epilepsy.

Seizures are classified into two groups:

• Generalized seizure disorder—affects both sides of the brain
• Partial seizure disorder (focal seizure)—affects only one part of the brain

Brain Cells (Neurons).

Copyright © 2002 Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

http://services.epnet.com/getimage.aspx?imageiid=28042804AX00008.jpgNeuronsNULLjpgNeuronsNULL\\filer01\Intellect\images\AX00008.jpgCopyright © 2002 Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.44NULL2002-10-012682002804_11874Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Causes

Seizures happen because of abnormal brain activity. For many people, it is not known why this happens. Some known causes are:

• Stroke
• Head trauma
• Alcohol use disorder
• Diseases that get worse over time, such as Alzheimer disease
• Brain damage
• Brain tumors
• Infections, such as bacterial meningitis
• Genetic problems
• Problems with the immune system

Risk Factors

Things that may raise the risk of this disorder are:

• Cerebrovascular disease in older adults
• Parasitic diseases, such as malaria or cysticercosis
• Alcohol use disorder

Symptoms

Symptoms depend on the type of seizures that a person has.

Generalized seizures may cause:

• Eye blinking or staring into space
• Crying out
• Loss of consciousness
• Falling to the ground
• Muscle jerking or spasms
• Feelings of tiredness after the seizure has ended

Partial seizures may cause:

• Muscle twitching
• Sensing a strange taste or smell
• Confusion or a dazed feeling
• Inability to respond to questions or directions

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done. An appointment with a doctor who treats the nervous system and brain may be needed.

Brain activity may be tested. This can be done with an electroencephalogram (EEG). Images of the brain may be taken with:

• MRI scan
• CT scan
• Positron emission tomography (PET)
• Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)

Treatment

The goals of treatment are stop seizures from happening. This may mean treating an underlying cause or avoiding triggers.

Prevention

Most seizure disorders cannot be prevented.