A seizure occurs when there is a sudden burst of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. This can temporarily affect how a person moves, behaves, feels, or responds to their surroundings. Some people may lose awareness or consciousness during a seizure.
Seizures can vary significantly from person to person. They may be as mild as a brief staring episode or muscle twitch, or as severe as prolonged convulsions. While seizures are commonly associated with epilepsy, having a seizure does not always mean that a person has epilepsy.
Seizures are generally classified into two main categories based on how much of the brain is involved.
These seizures affect both sides of the brain.
Absence Seizures (Petit Mal): These cause brief episodes of staring or loss of awareness, often lasting only a few seconds. They are more common in children and may occur many times throughout the day.
Tonic-Clonic Seizures (Grand Mal): These are the most widely recognised type of seizure. They usually begin with muscle stiffening (tonic phase), followed by rhythmic jerking movements (clonic phase). The person may lose consciousness, fall, and experience full-body convulsions.
These seizures begin in one specific area of the brain.
Simple Partial Seizures: The person remains conscious and aware but may experience unusual sensations such as tingling, odd smells or tastes, or involuntary movements affecting one part of the body.
Complex Partial Seizures: The person may appear awake but is confused or unaware of their surroundings. Repetitive behaviours such as lip-smacking, hand movements, or wandering may occur.
Not all seizures are caused by epilepsy. They can be grouped into three broad categories:
These occur in individuals with epilepsy, a neurological condition characterised by recurring abnormal brain activity. Causes may include head injury, stroke, brain infection, tumours, or genetic factors. In many cases, the exact cause is unknown.
These are triggered by temporary factors such as certain medications, alcohol withdrawal, low blood sugar, or electrolyte imbalance. Once the underlying cause is treated, the seizures usually do not return. Provoked seizures are not considered epilepsy.
These episodes may resemble epileptic seizures but are not caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. They may be related to fainting, muscle disorders, or psychological conditions.
Epilepsy is not a single condition but a group of neurological disorders that differ in how seizures begin, how they affect the brain, and what symptoms they cause. According to the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE), epilepsy is classified into the following types:
Seizures originate in one area of the brain. Symptoms depend on the affected region and may occur with or without loss of awareness.
Seizures involve both sides of the brain from the start. These may include absence seizures, tonic-clonic seizures, myoclonic jerks, or sudden loss of muscle tone.
Some individuals experience both focal and generalised seizures as part of the same condition.
The starting point of seizures is unclear, often because episodes were unwitnessed or occurred during sleep.
The causes of epilepsy may be structural, genetic, infectious, metabolic, immune-related, or unknown. These include:
Brain injury before or during birth, such as lack of oxygen or birth trauma
Genetic conditions or developmental abnormalities of the brain
Stroke or reduced blood flow to the brain
Brain infections such as meningitis, encephalitis, or HIV
Certain genetic syndromes, including autism-related conditions
Brain tumours
A seizure is a single event caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Epilepsy is diagnosed when a person experiences recurring, unprovoked seizures. In most cases, epilepsy is diagnosed after at least two seizures that occur more than 24 hours apart and are not caused by a temporary or reversible condition.
No. Having one or even several seizures does not automatically mean a person has epilepsy. Many seizures are provoked by temporary factors and may never occur again.
Diagnosis typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and specialised tests, including:
Electroencephalogram (EEG): Measures electrical activity in the brain
Blood tests: Identify infections, metabolic problems, or electrolyte imbalances
Imaging tests (CT scan or MRI): Detect structural changes, injuries, or growths in the brain
Lumbar puncture: May be performed if a brain infection such as meningitis is suspected
Treatment depends on the type and cause of seizures and may include:
Anti-epileptic medications to reduce or prevent seizures.
Surgery in selected cases to remove the seizure-causing brain area.
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), using an implanted device to help control seizures.
Lifestyle management, including adequate sleep, stress management, healthy diet, and regular exercise. Avoiding smoking, excessive alcohol intake, and substance misuse is also essential.
If you see someone having a seizure, follow these steps:
Call for an ambulance.
Move the person away from danger if needed.
Loosen tight clothing around the neck.
After the seizure stops, gently turn the person onto their side.
Note how long the seizure lasts.
When they are alert, calmly explain what happened and offer reassurance.
Providing calm, steady support can make a significant difference during and after a seizure.
If you or a loved one experiences seizures or symptoms of epilepsy, book a consultation with a neurologist at Prince Court Medical Centre. Our specialists provide accurate diagnosis, personalised treatment plans, and long-term management strategies to help you regain control and confidence in your health.
Get in touch with us today to book an appointment. Our team of experienced neurologists is here to provide expert care, guidance, and compassionate support tailored to your individual needs.Be the first in line to receive the latest updates and promotions, delivered directly to your inbox.
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