Understanding Seizures and Epilepsy

How Seizures Occur

The brain communicates by passing electrical signals around the body via nerve cells. A seizure occurs when these electrical signals become disrupted, or too many signals are sent at once.

Types of Seizures

Tonic-Clonic Seizures

Tonic-Clonic Seizures are characterised by rhythmic convulsions and are one of the many types of seizures associated with epilepsy.

Focal Seizures

In focal seizures, only one part of the brain is affected, so people experience their seizures differently. These can include simple partial and complex partial seizures.

Seizure Threshold

People with epilepsy often have a low seizure threshold, meaning they have a naturally low resistance to experiencing seizures.

Auras in Epilepsy

People with epilepsy may know they are about to have a seizure because they experience what is known as an aura. Not everyone with epilepsy experiences auras, and they vary between individuals. Examples of auras include:

• Feeling anxious or tearful
• Feeling like you are in a dream
• Visual disturbances
• Hallucinations
• Deja vu
• Strange sensations in the body

Automatisms in Seizures

Automatisms are non-purposeful, stereotypical, and repetitive behaviours that commonly accompany complex partial or focal seizures. Patients typically do not remember their automatisms, and the behaviour is usually inappropriate for the situation. Examples include:

Verbal Automatisms

These range from simple vocalisations, such as moaning, to more complex, comprehensible, stereotyped speech.

Non-Verbal Automatisms

These include behaviours such as lip-smacking, chewing, gulping, random limb movements, and head rolling.

Conclusion

Understanding the various types of seizures, the concept of seizure thresholds, auras, and automatisms is crucial for providing better care and support for individuals with epilepsy. Recognising the signs and knowing how to respond can significantly impact their wellbeing.