It can involve altered awareness and uncontrolled movement of the body.

There are several different types of seizures.

Sometimes a seizure is called aconvulsion.

An illustration with information about what is a seizure

Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health

If you haveepilepsy, this means that you are prone to having seizures.

Typically, epilepsy can be controlled with medication or interventional therapies.

Epilepsy treatment can reduce the frequency and severity of seizures,but it is usually not curable.

Seizures in Those Without Prior History

A seizure could be the first sign of epilepsy.

However, some health conditions can cause a seizure, even in the absence of epilepsy.

It can be difficult to predict whether certain conditions that cause a first-time seizure will lead to epilepsy.

For example, meningitis may lead to epilepsy, but it doesnt always do so.

Certain factors increase the risk of recurrent seizures.

There are many causes of seizures.

Epilepsy is the most common cause of seizures, but not every seizure is associated with epilepsy.

This is described as focal onset with secondary generalization.

Focal Seizures

Focal seizures begin in one area of the brain.

Certain situations may increase the risk of status epilepticus.

These include medication-resistant epilepsy, metabolic problems, severe infections, illness, and organ failure.

Common symptoms include:

Any of the symptoms above can indicate a seizure.

However, there are other medical issues that may cause similar symptoms.

If you witnessed someonehaving episodes that could be a seizure, its important to call for medical help.

This can involve a physical examination, checking vital signs, and diagnostic testing.

Signs of a Stroke

A seizure and a stroke can cause sudden, distressing symptoms.

The healthcare team will be able to identify the difference and initiate proper treatment.

Treatment for Seizures

Seizures can be treated with medication.

They may also be treated with epilepsy surgery or a special diet.

Additionally, lifestyle adjustments may help reduce the frequency of seizures for people who have epilepsy.

Most of the time, medical intervention can reduce the frequency and severity of seizures.

The medications that are used to treat seizures are short-acting.

Additionally, long-acting,antiepileptic drugs (AEDs)can prevent seizures from occurring when people have epilepsy.

While living with epilepsy can be challenging, the condition can be managed with medication and lifestyle adjustments.

Sometimes other interventions, such as epilepsy surgery, may be necessary.

After a seizure, its important that you get some rest and stay in a safe place.

The most common reason for seizures is epilepsy.

If you or someone else has a seizure, its important to get medical attention.

People who are diagnosed with epilepsy might not need to get medical attention every time they have a seizure.

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