{"id":5467,"date":"2025-12-09T14:39:16","date_gmt":"2025-12-09T19:39:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/pathophysiology\/?post_type=chapter&#038;p=5467"},"modified":"2025-12-10T12:47:09","modified_gmt":"2025-12-10T17:47:09","slug":"seizures-causes-types-and-clinical-features","status":"web-only","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/pathophysiology\/chapter\/seizures-causes-types-and-clinical-features\/","title":{"raw":"11p11  Seizures: Causes, Types, and Clinical Features","rendered":"11p11  Seizures: Causes, Types, and Clinical Features"},"content":{"raw":"<h1><strong>Overview<\/strong><\/h1>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Seizure<\/strong>: Sudden, excessive, spontaneous discharge of neurons.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Can involve abnormal movements, sensations, or altered consciousness.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h1><strong>Triggers of Seizures<\/strong><\/h1>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Irritation of neurons, which can be caused by<\/strong>:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Inflammation.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Hypoxia (oxygen deprivation).<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Bleeding in the brain.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Drugs or alcohol.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>High fever (febrile seizures).<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Sleep deprivation.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Infection.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Electrolyte imbalances.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h1><strong>Distinction Between Seizures and Epilepsy<\/strong><\/h1>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Seizure<\/strong>:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>An episodic, abnormal neuronal excitation and discharge.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Occurs\u00a0<strong>once or sporadically<\/strong>, often due to an identifiable cause.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Epilepsy<\/strong>:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>A chronic condition characterized by\u00a0<strong>recurrent seizures<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>No known cause<\/strong>\u00a0(<strong>idiopathic<\/strong>).<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Seizures happen\u00a0<strong>spontaneously<\/strong>\u00a0without external triggers.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h1><strong>Clinical Presentation<\/strong><\/h1>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Seizures are\u00a0<strong>not always convulsions<\/strong>:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Repetitive movements<\/strong>:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Muscle contractions (tonic-clonic).<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Altered consciousness<\/strong>:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Fully aware or impaired.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Aura<\/strong>\u00a0(prodromal event):\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>A warning sign.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Unusual\u00a0<strong>smells<\/strong>,\u00a0<strong>visions<\/strong>, or\u00a0<strong>sensations<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Still seizures<\/strong>:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>No movement, just abnormal sensations or emotional feelings.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Example: being \"spaced out\" with hallucinations.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h1><strong>Duration and Risks<\/strong><\/h1>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Prolonged seizures<\/strong>:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Cause\u00a0<strong>hypoxia<\/strong>:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Neurons quickly consume oxygen and glucose.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Risk of\u00a0<strong>neuron death<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Urgent treatment required.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h1><strong>Classification of Seizures<\/strong><\/h1>\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li><strong>General (Global) Seizures<\/strong><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Affect\u00a0<strong>entire brain<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Usually\u00a0<strong>lose consciousness<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>May involve:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Tonic-clonic seizures<\/strong>: stiffening (tonus) and jerking (clonus).<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Fall and confusion<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Example:\u00a0<strong>Grand mal<\/strong>\u00a0seizures.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<ol start=\"2\">\r\n \t<li><strong>Focal (Partial) Seizures<\/strong><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Involve\u00a0<strong>specific brain areas<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Awareness varies:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Impaired consciousness<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Full awareness<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Symptoms depend on the affected\u00a0<strong>brain region<\/strong>:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Simple focal<\/strong>: strange sensations, emotions, or visual disturbances.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Complex focal<\/strong>: altered awareness, confusion.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>May\u00a0<strong>zone out<\/strong>\u00a0for a few minutes.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Can\u00a0<strong>spread<\/strong>\u00a0to become generalized.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h1><strong>Signs and Symptoms<\/strong><\/h1>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Range from <strong>temporary sensations<\/strong> to <strong>full-body convulsions<\/strong>, and can include:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Repetitive\u00a0<strong>muscle contractions<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Loss of consciousness<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Strange sensations<\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 smells, visions, sounds.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Falls<\/strong>\u00a0or\u00a0<strong>loss of balance<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Confusion<\/strong>\u00a0or\u00a0<strong>dazed look<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Anxiety or emotional disturbances<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h1><strong>Summary<\/strong><\/h1>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Seizures<\/strong> stem from abnormal neuronal activity influenced by various triggers.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Range from temporary sensations to full-body convulsions.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Urgent intervention is critical for prolonged or severe seizures.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Accurate classification (focal vs. generalized) informs treatment strategies.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>","rendered":"<h1><strong>Overview<\/strong><\/h1>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Seizure<\/strong>: Sudden, excessive, spontaneous discharge of neurons.<\/li>\n<li>Can involve abnormal movements, sensations, or altered consciousness.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h1><strong>Triggers of Seizures<\/strong><\/h1>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Irritation of neurons, which can be caused by<\/strong>:\n<ul>\n<li>Inflammation.<\/li>\n<li>Hypoxia (oxygen deprivation).<\/li>\n<li>Bleeding in the brain.<\/li>\n<li>Drugs or alcohol.<\/li>\n<li>High fever (febrile seizures).<\/li>\n<li>Sleep deprivation.<\/li>\n<li>Infection.<\/li>\n<li>Electrolyte imbalances.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h1><strong>Distinction Between Seizures and Epilepsy<\/strong><\/h1>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Seizure<\/strong>:\n<ul>\n<li>An episodic, abnormal neuronal excitation and discharge.<\/li>\n<li>Occurs\u00a0<strong>once or sporadically<\/strong>, often due to an identifiable cause.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Epilepsy<\/strong>:\n<ul>\n<li>A chronic condition characterized by\u00a0<strong>recurrent seizures<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>No known cause<\/strong>\u00a0(<strong>idiopathic<\/strong>).<\/li>\n<li>Seizures happen\u00a0<strong>spontaneously<\/strong>\u00a0without external triggers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h1><strong>Clinical Presentation<\/strong><\/h1>\n<ul>\n<li>Seizures are\u00a0<strong>not always convulsions<\/strong>:\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Repetitive movements<\/strong>:\n<ul>\n<li>Muscle contractions (tonic-clonic).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Altered consciousness<\/strong>:\n<ul>\n<li>Fully aware or impaired.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Aura<\/strong>\u00a0(prodromal event):\n<ul>\n<li>A warning sign.<\/li>\n<li>Unusual\u00a0<strong>smells<\/strong>,\u00a0<strong>visions<\/strong>, or\u00a0<strong>sensations<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Still seizures<\/strong>:\n<ul>\n<li>No movement, just abnormal sensations or emotional feelings.<\/li>\n<li>Example: being &#8220;spaced out&#8221; with hallucinations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h1><strong>Duration and Risks<\/strong><\/h1>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Prolonged seizures<\/strong>:\n<ul>\n<li>Cause\u00a0<strong>hypoxia<\/strong>:\n<ul>\n<li>Neurons quickly consume oxygen and glucose.<\/li>\n<li>Risk of\u00a0<strong>neuron death<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Urgent treatment required.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h1><strong>Classification of Seizures<\/strong><\/h1>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>General (Global) Seizures<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ul>\n<li>Affect\u00a0<strong>entire brain<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Usually\u00a0<strong>lose consciousness<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>May involve:\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Tonic-clonic seizures<\/strong>: stiffening (tonus) and jerking (clonus).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Fall and confusion<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Example:\u00a0<strong>Grand mal<\/strong>\u00a0seizures.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li><strong>Focal (Partial) Seizures<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ul>\n<li>Involve\u00a0<strong>specific brain areas<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Awareness varies:\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Impaired consciousness<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Full awareness<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Symptoms depend on the affected\u00a0<strong>brain region<\/strong>:\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Simple focal<\/strong>: strange sensations, emotions, or visual disturbances.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Complex focal<\/strong>: altered awareness, confusion.<\/li>\n<li>May\u00a0<strong>zone out<\/strong>\u00a0for a few minutes.<\/li>\n<li>Can\u00a0<strong>spread<\/strong>\u00a0to become generalized.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h1><strong>Signs and Symptoms<\/strong><\/h1>\n<ul>\n<li>Range from <strong>temporary sensations<\/strong> to <strong>full-body convulsions<\/strong>, and can include:\n<ul>\n<li>Repetitive\u00a0<strong>muscle contractions<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Loss of consciousness<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Strange sensations<\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 smells, visions, sounds.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Falls<\/strong>\u00a0or\u00a0<strong>loss of balance<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Confusion<\/strong>\u00a0or\u00a0<strong>dazed look<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Anxiety or emotional disturbances<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h1><strong>Summary<\/strong><\/h1>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Seizures<\/strong> stem from abnormal neuronal activity influenced by various triggers.<\/li>\n<li>Range from temporary sensations to full-body convulsions.<\/li>\n<li>Urgent intervention is critical for prolonged or severe seizures.<\/li>\n<li>Accurate classification (focal vs. generalized) informs treatment strategies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"author":1370,"menu_order":17,"template":"","meta":{"pb_show_title":"on","pb_short_title":"","pb_subtitle":"","pb_authors":["zoe-soon"],"pb_section_license":"cc-by-nc-sa"},"chapter-type":[],"contributor":[60],"license":[57],"class_list":["post-5467","chapter","type-chapter","status-web-only","hentry","contributor-zoe-soon","license-cc-by-nc-sa"],"part":76,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/pathophysiology\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/5467","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/pathophysiology\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/pathophysiology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/chapter"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/pathophysiology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1370"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/pathophysiology\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/5467\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5556,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/pathophysiology\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/5467\/revisions\/5556"}],"part":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/pathophysiology\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/parts\/76"}],"metadata":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/pathophysiology\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/5467\/metadata\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/pathophysiology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5467"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"chapter-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/pathophysiology\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapter-type?post=5467"},{"taxonomy":"contributor","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/pathophysiology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/contributor?post=5467"},{"taxonomy":"license","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/pathophysiology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/license?post=5467"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}