Understanding Seizures
Seizures happen when the brain has a burst of abnormal electronical signals for a short period of time. It can be a short one-time event or a long violent attack. Thousands of adults and children experience seizures. Usually without warning, a seizure can come on suddenly.
Seizures can be caused by an abnormality in the brain that has been there since birth. They can also be caused by a head injury, stoke, sever low blood sugar, high fever, or use of certain drugs.
The two main types of seizures are generalized seizures and partial or focal seizures. Generalized seizures effects most of the brain and can also be called absence, myolonic, atonic, and tonic-clonic. During a partial or focal seizure this happens in just one part of the brain. These are categorized as simple, complex, and secondarily generalized partial seizures.
You should call for emergency care if someone is experiencing a seizure and
- has never had a seizure
- has more than one in a row
- is pregnant, diabetic, or has a serious health condition
- is having trouble breathing
- is injured during a seizure