Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder, also referred to as seizure disorder. About one in 26 people will develop epilepsy in their lifetime according to the Epilepsy Foundation. Seizures, which involve a sudden surge of electricity in the brain, are the main symptoms of epilepsy. There are many types of seizures, most of which do not involve the convulsions that people typically believe are the main characteristic of a seizure.
Seizure Symptoms
Seizures range widely in severity and duration. When you are having a seizure, you may or may not be aware of what’s happening and afterward you may or may not remember the episode. Often the only way a person becomes aware of seizures is when someone else comments on what they’ve witnessed. Signs of seizure include:
- Staring spell
- Brief periods of unresponsiveness
- Appearing dazed and unable to communicate for brief periods
- Brief blackouts
- Temporary confusion
- Sudden bouts of blinking or chewing for no apparent reason
- Repetitive movements
- Sudden stiffness for no apparent reason
- Falling for no apparent reason
- Fainting spells that include loss of bladder or bowel control and are often followed by extreme fatigue
- Uncontrollable jerking of the arms, legs, and/or body
- Unexplained fear, anxiety, panic, or déjà vu
- Odd sensory changes including those in smell, sound, or touch
- Convulsion without a fever
Causes of Epilepsy
The cause of epilepsy is often not determined. These are just some of the things that can cause or increase your likelihood of developing epilepsy:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI), such as those sustain in car accidents or while playing sports
- Birth brain injury, including those sustain during pregnancy, during labor and delivery, and shortly after birth
- Stroke and cerebrovascular disorders
- Brain tumors
- Infectious diseases such as AIDS and viral encephalitis
- Some neurodegenerative disorders
- Developmental disorders
- Genetic factors
