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Written by Marcel Gemme C.C.D.C

Definition of Seizure

Seizure which is actually known as epileptic seizure is a symptom of neural activity in the brain. It can alter one’s state of mind and manifest their movements. There are different types of seizures but generally classified into two main categories. They are partial seizures and generalized seizures. The seizures are classified into different categories based on whether the source of seizure is localized or not. If the seizure is localized, then it is termed as partial seizure and if the source is distributed in the brain, then it is called a generalized seizure.

The partial seizures are further subdivided into two other categories that are called simple partial seizure and complex partial seizure. This subdivision is based on the effect that the disorder has on the consciousness of the person. If the consciousness of the person is not affected or unaffected, then it is called a simple partial seizure. If the consciousness is affected to a great extent, then this type of partial seizure is called a complex partial seizure. Generalized seizure also has subdivisions based on the effect that each of them has on the body. However, all the seizures that come under this category involve loss of consciousness.

The symptoms that a person may have if he is suffering from seizure are sudden loss of consciousness, involuntary contraction of muscles, numbness in many parts of the body, sudden loss of memory (short term), total state of confusion and discharging of unpleasant odor. Sometimes these symptoms will lead to sudden death in a person. These are symptoms that will enable a person to realize that a seizure is about to attach them. In medical terms, these warning sensations are called aura. Some of the other symptoms that a person may have are dizziness, tightening of chest and lightheaded.

Diagnosing a seizure can be a very difficult task as it causes similar symptoms to many other common disorders. There are three methods to identify a seizure. The first one is physical examination. In this part of the diagnosis, a specific bite on the tongue is examined. Though the result of the test is very vague, it can prove to be very useful in certain circumstances. The second one is checking the Serum prolactin level. Two levels of analysis exist in this test, and both the levels are determined before concluding a seizure. However, this test does not give results for partial seizures. The third test is the Electroencephalography (EEG) examination. If this test gives a result where there is an isolated and abnormal electrical activity, then the presence of seizure in that particular human can be confirmed. Other diagnostic methods include MRI scans, CT scanning and angiography .