Blog Details

Seizures (Convulsion)

Seizures (Convulsion): An Overview of Causes, Symptoms, and Management

Seizures (Convulsion) are defined as an abnormal, unregulated electrical discharge within the brain‘s cortical gray matter that transiently interrupts normal brain function[6]. This disruption can manifest as altered awareness, abnormal sensations, focal involuntary movements, or convulsions (widespread violent involuntary contraction of voluntary muscles)[6].

Causes of Seizures (Convulsion)

Seizures (Convulsion) can be provoked or unprovoked[3]. Provoked seizures are triggered by a temporary irritant or stressor to the brain, while unprovoked seizures occur for unclear reasons[3]. If an individual experiences two or more unprovoked seizures, they may be diagnosed with epilepsy[3].

Common causes of seizures include[1][2][3][4][5][6]:

• Epilepsy: A chronic brain disorder characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures[6].
• High fever: Particularly in young children, can cause febrile seizures[1][5].
• Brain infections: Such as meningitis and encephalitis[1][5].
• Head injuries: Can cause bleeding in the brain or hemorrhagic stroke[1][3][5].
• Ischemic Stroke or brain bleeds: Disrupt communication pathways in the brain[2][4].
• Brain tumors: Can disrupt normal brain function[1][2][3].
• Electrolyte imbalance: Too high or too low levels of minerals in the blood[3].
• Low blood sugar: Very low blood sugar levels can trigger seizures[3].
• Medications: Certain medications, such as antipsychotics and some asthma drugs, can cause seizures[2][3].
• Drug Use: Street drugs, such as cocaine and amphetamines, can trigger seizures[1][2][5].
• Alcohol misuse: Seizures can occur from alcohol withdrawal or from drinking too much alcohol[2][5].
• Lack of sleep: Insufficient sleep can increase the risk of seizures[2][4][5].
• COVID-19 infection: Serious illness with COVID-19 may lead to seizures[2][3][5].
• Hormone changes: Changes in hormone levels, particularly in females, can act as seizure triggers[3][4].
• Genetic factors: Gene changes can cause some types of seizures[4][5].
• Brain problems before birth: Congenital brain defects can lead to seizures[1].
• Kidney or liver failure: Toxin buildup in the body due to liver or kidney failure can trigger seizures[1].
• Very high blood pressure: Malignant hypertension can cause seizures[1][3].
• Venomous bites and stings: Such as a snake bite[1].
• Eclampsia: Very high blood pressure during pregnancy can cause seizures[3].
• Developmental brain issues: Such as autism[3]

In rare cases, seizures can be triggered predictably by external stimuli such as repetitive sounds, flashing lights, video games, or touching certain parts of the body; this is known as reflex epilepsy[3][6].

Complications of Seizures

Seizures can lead to various complications[2]:

• Falling
• Drowning
• Car accidents
• Pregnancy complications
• Emotional health issues

When to Seek Medical Attention

It is essential to seek medical attention in the following situations[5]:

• This is the first time you have a seizure.
• The seizure lasts more than 5 minutes.
• Breathing doesn’t return to normal after the seizure stops.
• A second seizure follows right away.
• The person has a high fever.
• The person has diabetes.
• The seizure causes an injury.
• The seizure happens in water.

DrStemCellsThailand‘s Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine Center of Thailand and Seizures

At DrStemCellsThailand‘s Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine Center of Thailand, our focus is on addressing underlying conditions that may contribute to neurological issues. While we do not directly treat seizures, we may investigate and address certain underlying causes. It is crucial for individuals experiencing seizures to seek immediate and comprehensive care from qualified neurologists and epilepsy specialists.

Consult with Our Team of Experts Now!

References

1. Seizures Information | Mount Sinai – New York. Link
2. Seizures: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment. Link
3. Seizures: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment – WebMD. Link
4. Seizures – treatments, symptoms, causes and prevention – Healthdirect. Link
5. Seizures – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic. Link
6. Seizure Disorders – Neurologic Disorders – MSD Manuals. Link