A seizure is sudden uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain that can cause a variety of physical manifestations, including shaking or stiffening of the arms and legs, changes in awareness, loss of consciousness, or abnormal behaviors. They usually last up to minutes at a time. Seizures that last longer are considered a medical emergency. Seizures are divided into those that are generalized and focal. Generalized seizures involve all areas of the brain when they start, while focal seizures involve only one part of the brain and may later spread to others.
Epilepsy is defined as recurrent seizures. Epilepsy can have a variety of causes, including head injuries, stroke, brain infections, and genetic predisposition. An individual may also experience seizures without having epilepsy. For example, a person may experience only one seizure in his or her lifetime if triggered by certain medications, illicit drugs, a high fever, electrolyte abnormalities, or severe lack of sleep.
Epilepsy can often be controlled by medications. However, in cases in which medications are insufficient, patients may receive neurological procedures or even brain surgery to control seizures.
Common Symptoms
- Uncontrollable shaking of arms and legs
- Loss of consciousness
- Loss of awareness
- Staring
- Sensation of fear or anxiety
Diagnostics
Electroencephalogram (EEG)
Treatment
- Medications (“Anti-epileptic drugs”)
- Vagal nerve stimulation
- Brain surgery (rare cases)
Our Program
The Epilepsy Program at Boston Medical Center provides comprehensive consultation for patients within the clinic and hospital setting. We are a Level 4 Epilepsy Center as reported in US News and World Report. We offer our patients diagnostic clarity with a full range of imaging and diagnostic evaluations including EEGs, epilepsy-specific imaging, and neuropsychological evaluations.