Epilepsy & Seizures: Symptoms, First Aid & Treatment

January 31, 2023

By Henry O. Akinbobuyi

Social Media Specialist

Tags: Genetics , Stroke , Neurosciences ,

Have you ever seen those brief epilepsy warnings on your favorite movie or TV show? While some people aren't too sensitive to flashing lights, others are significantly affected by them, potentially causing seizures.

As often as epilepsy warnings are expressed in media, what exactly does epilepsy mean? Learn what epilepsy is, what triggers seizures, how to recognize signs and when it's time to call for help.

Tommasina Papa-Rugino, MD, a neurologist with Franciscan Physician Network Orthopedics & Podiatry, explains what you should know.

What Is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder that causes irregular brain activity, leading to seizures, a failing sense of awareness and unfamiliar sensations.
While it's common to assume that epilepsy is a condition gained at birth, epilepsy can develop throughout the central nervous system at any point in a person's life.

How Common Is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is one of the most common brain disorders. About 3.4 million people in the United States have active epilepsy, requiring medication to control seizures or having had at least one seizure in the past year. 5.1 million people in the United States also have a history of epilepsy.

Is There A Difference Between An Epilepsy And A Seizure?

You aren't alone if you find yourself questioning the difference between an epilepsy condition and a seizure. Epilepsy is considered a neurological disorder identified by two or more previous seizures that do not seem to be caused by any specific factors.

Seizures can be a result of having an epilepsy condition but also can be caused by:

Stroke
Brain tumor
Brain infection
Traumatic brain injury or head injury
Loss of oxygen to the brain
Down syndrome
Alzheimer's disease
A high fever
Low blood sugar
Alcohol or drug withdrawal.

"Seizures specifically are a surge of electrical activity in a person's brain which can be caused by several factors," Dr. Papa-Rugino said.

Does Epilepsy Have Symptoms Or Warning Signs?

A seizure caused by epilepsy can affect how your brain controls your body in several ways. Due to this, there are several signs that you can notice as a seizure begins to occur.

A few of these signs include:

Confusion
Sudden limb jerking
Muscle stiffening
Lack of awareness
Staring

"There are also warning signs to seizures from a psychological perspective that can include a sense of déjà vu or emotional stress," Dr. Papa-Rugino said.

Warning signs of a seizure can vary from person to person. Still, some seizures can also happen without any signs or symptoms. Either way, a person is most likely to notice the same seizure warning signs during each occurrence, if any symptoms at all.

Are There Different Types Of Seizures?

Healthcare professionals usually place seizures into two types: focal and generalized.

Focal seizures: Focal seizures happen when one part of your brain dysfunctions. This type of seizure can impact you while fully conscious, such as experiencing déjà vu and altered senses like smell and touch. Impaired awareness, such as blank staring or repetitive actions like walking in circles, are also included under focal seizures.
Generalized seizures: Generalized seizures can be even more complex than focal seizures, as all areas of the brain can show dysfunction. Seizure symptoms can include constant brief staring, muscle stiffening, muscle control loss, muscle jerking, or even a combination of these symptoms.

When professionals can't identify the area of the brain causing the seizure, or the seizure doesn't match known symptoms, it can be diagnosed as an unknown form of epilepsy.

What Should I Do If Someone Is Having A Seizure?

If you see a person having a seizure here's what you can do to help:

Carefully move the person to the floor with a flat headrest and turn them to the side.
Confirm that they aren't near any hazards in the area.
Loosen the clothing around their neck if necessary.
Avoid holding them down if you notice muscle jerking.
Avoid putting anything in their mouth.
Continue to watch the person experiencing the seizure until it ends.

The CDC emphasizes that seizures do not require emergency care unless:

The person is experiencing a seizure for the first time.
The person is pregnant or has a health condition.
Bodily functions are failing after the seizure ends.
The seizure lasts at least 5 minutes.
An additional seizure occurs right after the first experience.
An injury occurs during the seizure.
The seizure occurs in water.

If you have witnessed a seizure and the person meets any of these criteria, call 911 immediately.

What Are The Health Risks For Someone With A History Of Epilepsy?

Having a history of epilepsy can come with several health risks and complications.

When it comes to injuries and physical conditions, seizures can cause falls, car accidents, pregnancy complications, and on rare occasions, sudden unexpected death.

From a mental perspective, epilepsy can increase the risk of mental health conditions like depression or psychosis, along with negatively impacting brain function and development.

How Is Epilepsy Diagnosed?

If you suspect you may have epilepsy, there are steps that your doctor may take to make an accurate diagnosis.

Your provider will start by looking through your medical history, including each recorded seizure that you have experienced. Providers will also take you through extensive neurological tests. More often than not, those tests will include an EEG and an MRI. Additionally, some providers may suggest blood tests and genetic tests as both have a significant factor in seizures.

After the extensive examinations, your provider will sit with you to discuss the results and treatment options moving forward.