Definition
Seizures, also known as convulsions, occur when irregular signals from the brain change the way the body functions. Even though the symptoms of a seizure may affect any part of the body, the abnormal electrical events producing the symptoms occur in the brain.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a nervous system disorder that can develop at any age. The location of the episode, how it spreads, how much of the brain is affected and how long it lasts are all factors to determine the type of a seizure. It is important to classify the seizure to help doctors diagnose a patient with epilepsy.
To understanding seizure disorders, also called epilepsy, it is helpful to know the different types of seizures.
Types of Seizures
Seizures, also known as convulsions, occur when irregular signals from the brain change the way the body functions. Even though the symptoms of a seizure may affect any part of the body, the abnormal electrical events producing the symptoms occur in the brain.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a nervous system disorder that can develop at any age. The location of the episode, how it spreads, how much of the brain is affected and how long it lasts are all factors to determine the type of a seizure. It is important to classify the seizure to help doctors diagnose a patient with epilepsy.
To understanding seizure disorders, also called epilepsy, it is helpful to know the different types of seizures.
Types of Seizures
- Based on the behavior and brain activity, seizures are divided into two broad categories- generalized and partial.
- Partial seizures are classified as abnormal activity in isolated areas of the brain produced by electrical impulses in a relatively small part of the brain. The motor cortex and temporal lobe are most often affected. Results in weakness, numbness, hallucinations, tics and twitching, but no loss of consciousness.
- Generalized seizures are produced by electrical impulses throughout the entire brain; the most common types of seizures are listed below:
The most common and dramatic generalized convulsion is the grand-mal seizure. In the course of this seizure, the patient loses consciousness and usually collapses. These symptoms are followed by full body stiffening (called the tonic phase) and violent jerking (clonic phase), the patient then goes into an “after seizure phase” causing them fall into a deep sleep. Each phase can last from several seconds to several minutes, signs and symptoms are different with every patient. Injuries and accidents during grand-mal seizures are common, such as tongue biting and urinary incontinence (7).
Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) is the most common form of epilepsy- affecting one of every fourteen people with epilepsy. This condition usually starts in young childhood or adolescence. People with disorder may experience other seizures, such as grand mal, myoclonic or absence seizures (signs and symptoms explained in chart above).
Causes
It is not always clear as to why convulsions are triggered, and like many forms of epilepsy, the cause of JME is usually unknown. Some common triggers may be the time of day/night, sleep deprivation, high fevers or other illnesses, flashing bright lights, food allergies, alcohol or drug use. There are certain factors that increase the risk of the patient’s seizures including other forms of epilepsy, seizures, sleep deprivation and alcohol. Sometimes seizures in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy can be triggered by flickering light or acts of concentration such as decision making or calculations. There are aspects that increase the probability of developing the condition (8):
· About one in eight children who have suffered from seizures will later develop JME
· People with family members affected by epilepsy
· Genetics play a role in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy
Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) is the most common form of epilepsy- affecting one of every fourteen people with epilepsy. This condition usually starts in young childhood or adolescence. People with disorder may experience other seizures, such as grand mal, myoclonic or absence seizures (signs and symptoms explained in chart above).
Causes
It is not always clear as to why convulsions are triggered, and like many forms of epilepsy, the cause of JME is usually unknown. Some common triggers may be the time of day/night, sleep deprivation, high fevers or other illnesses, flashing bright lights, food allergies, alcohol or drug use. There are certain factors that increase the risk of the patient’s seizures including other forms of epilepsy, seizures, sleep deprivation and alcohol. Sometimes seizures in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy can be triggered by flickering light or acts of concentration such as decision making or calculations. There are aspects that increase the probability of developing the condition (8):
· About one in eight children who have suffered from seizures will later develop JME
· People with family members affected by epilepsy
· Genetics play a role in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy