Advanced Neurology, Personalized Care

SEIZURES

Seizures: Types, Causes, and Diagnosis

Understanding Seizures

A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain. It can cause changes in behavior, movements, feelings, or levels of consciousness. While not all seizures indicate epilepsy, recurrent seizures often require medical evaluation and management.

Types of Seizures

Seizures are generally classified into two categories

1. Focal (Partial) Seizures

These begin in one specific area of the brain and may or may not affect consciousness.

Focal Aware Seizures (Simple Partial Seizures)

No loss of consciousness
Unusual sensations (e.g., tingling, flashing lights, or changes in taste/smell)
Sudden emotional changes (e.g., fear, déjà vu)
Uncontrolled jerking in one part of the body

Focal Impaired Awareness Seizures (Complex Partial Seizures)

Altered awareness or confusion
Repetitive movements (e.g., lip-smacking, hand rubbing)
Staring blankly
Difficulty responding to surroundings

Alzheimer’s Disease – The buildup of amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain.
Vascular Dementia – Caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, often due to strokes or cardiovascular conditions.
Lewy Body Dementia – Linked to abnormal deposits of protein (Lewy bodies) in the brain.
Frontotemporal Dementia – Damage to the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, affecting personality and behavior.

2. Generalized Seizures

These involve both sides of the brain and often cause a loss of consciousness.

Absence Seizures (formerly "petit mal")

Brief lapses in awareness (staring episodes)
Fluttering eyelids or repetitive movements
Common in children

Tonic Seizures

Sudden muscle stiffening, often leading to falls

Clonic Seizures

Repeated jerking movements, usually in the arms and legs

Tonic-Clonic Seizures (formerly "grand mal")

Combination of stiffening (tonic) and jerking (clonic) phases
Loss of consciousness
Possible loss of bladder control or tongue biting

Atonic Seizures

Sudden loss of muscle tone, causing the person to collapse

Myoclonic Seizures

Sudden, brief muscle twitches or jerks

Causes & Triggers of Seizures

Seizures can have various causes, including

Neurological conditions (e.g., epilepsy, stroke, brain tumors)
Head injuries or trauma
Infections (e.g., meningitis, encephalitis)
Genetic factors
Metabolic imbalances (e.g., low blood sugar, electrolyte imbalances)
Sleep deprivation
Alcohol or drug withdrawal

Identifying seizure triggers can help manage the condition. Common triggers include:

Lack of sleep
Missed medication doses
Stress
Flashing lights

Diagnosis & Treatment at Mir Neurology

If you or a loved one is experiencing seizures, it is important to seek medical evaluation. At Mir Neurology, we offer

Comprehensive Diagnostic Testing

Neurological exams
EEG (Electroencephalogram) to monitor brain activity
MRI or CT scans to detect structural abnormalities
Blood tests to identify underlying conditions

Get Expert Help

If you or a loved one is experiencing memory loss or cognitive decline, early diagnosis is key to effective management. Consult with our neurology specialists for personalized assessment and care plans.

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Our Locations

Main Office - Cumberland, United States

Our main office is located in Cumberland, United States. Our doctors have office hours at additional locations in the Hagerstown area to better serve our patients.