Seizures are a common symptom characterized by abnormal, excessive electrical activity in the brain that leads to temporary changes in movement, sensation, behavior, awareness, or consciousness. Symptoms vary widely depending on the type of seizure and the brain area involved, ranging from brief staring spells and subtle sensory changes to violent jerking movements and loss of consciousness. Seizures can be classified mainly into focal seizures, which affect one part of the brain, and generalized seizures, which involve the entire brain. Common signs include confusion, staring into space, jerking movements, loss of awareness, and emotional changes such as fear or anxiety. Most seizures last less than two minutes and may be followed by confusion or fatigue.
Types of Seizures and Symptoms
- Focal seizures: Can occur with or without loss of consciousness; may involve unusual sensations, emotions, or repetitive movements.
- Generalized seizures: Include absence seizures (brief staring spells), tonic-clonic seizures (muscle stiffening and jerking), myoclonic seizures (sudden jerks), and others that affect the whole brain.
- Symptoms can include muscle stiffening, jerking, sudden loss of muscle tone, changes in sensation or awareness, hallucinations, and emotional disturbances.
Additional Details
- Some seizures begin with an aura, a sensation like odd smells, déjà vu, or tingling before the main seizure.
- Seizures might be brief with quick recovery, but prolonged seizures (over 5 minutes) are medical emergencies called status epilepticus.
- Seizures may be provoked by triggers like fever or trauma, or unprovoked, which may indicate epilepsy.
In summary, seizures are a common neurological symptom with diverse presentations depending on the type and brain involvement, often characterized by abrupt changes in consciousness, behavior, and movement.
