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Seizures

Last Updated:
29 Jul 2009
Review Due Date:
29 Jan 2010
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Introduction


A seizure is the result of a sudden burst of excess electrical activity in the brain. This causes the brain's messages to become temporarily halted or mixed up. The type of seizure a person has depends on the area of the brain where this activity occurs.

The old word for a seizure is 'fit'. Epilepsy Action prefers the word seizure because in today's language, 'having a fit' usually means getting really angry, which of course has nothing to do with epilepsy. 

There are around 40 different types of seizure, ranging from brief absent moments, to episodes of losing consciousness, falling to the floor and convulsing.

Because there are so many different seizure types and symptoms, epilepsy can be a difficult condition to diagnose. It is also possible for some people to be misdiagnosed with epilepsy, because there are a number of other conditions which can cause episodes or attacks that look like an epileptic seizure. Examples of these can include vertigo, faints and heart disturbances.

It is important for doctors to know what type of seizure a person has, so they can decide on the most suitable course of treatment. This is why it is so helpful to keep a diary and even take a video recording, when someone has a seizure. It is rare that someone has a seizure in the doctor's consultation room, so it is helpful to be able to provide as much detail as possible.

 

 

 

PDF Leaflet: 
Epileptic seizures explained

We can provide references and information on the source material we use to write our epilepsy advice and information pages. Please contact our Epilepsy Helpline by email at helpline@epilepsy.org.uk.
‹ SafetyupDescribing seizure types ›

Comments

heya, my friend's sister has epilepsy and i didnt know anything about it. But this site has helped me understand and know what happens when she has a fit.

THANX

Submitted by Fatima on 30 April, 2009 - 21:19.

my girlfriend has epilepsy and i knew nothing about them... i watched some clips and read the documents here on this website, so now i can help my girlfriend thank you guys at Epilepsy Action. i just need to know what can trigger them so i can help keep her seizure free. it really scares me to see her in a seizure... i saw her in her first seizure today at ~2:45 on January 8, 2010. if you guys could email me with some of the triggers that would be great... thank you SO much guys

Submitted by cory liebhauser on 9 January, 2010 - 03:34.

Hello

A friend of mine a 39 year old man had his first seizure last Tuesday and was in hospital for 3 nights and is now at home but having trouble walking in a straight line and feels dizzy and has difficulty talking. Is this normal after a seizure I do not seem to be able to find any information about what to expect after a first attack? The hospital released him and only told him they would contact his GP to organise for him to see a neurologist.

Many Thanks

Stephen Blower

Submitted by Stephen Blower on 31 January, 2010 - 16:55.