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There is constant electrical activity in everyone's brain at all times. When a seizure happens it is because there is a sudden increase in electrical activity, like a storm or power surge. That soon passes and electrical activity returns to normal and the seizure ends. So if when someone with epilepsy is examined at a time they are not having a seizure, then their brain's electrical activity will appear to be normal.
To test for epilepsy what is sometimes done is to expose the brain to known triggers for seizures to see if there is a change in the electrical activity so that doctors can find out what causes an particular person to have seizures. Different people will have different causes for their seizures. So if the right trigger is not used during an examination, the person will still have normal brain activity. That does not mean that they don't have epilepsy and won't get seizures. It just may mean that their particular trigger wasn't one of those that were tried on them. As there are many of them, it is not possible to test for them all in one examination.
What else can I help you with?
What is epilespy?
Epilepsy is a brain disorder in which a person has repeated seizures (convulsions) over time. Seizures are episodes of disturbed brain activity that cause changes in attention or behavior.
What causes the seizures of epilepsy?
The seizures of epilepsy are due to unregulated spreading of electrical activity from one part of the brain to other parts.
How does lack of oxygen to the brain cause seizures?
When the brain is deprived of oxygen, it cannot function properly, leading to an imbalance in the electrical activity of the brain. This can trigger abnormal neuronal firing, resulting in seizures. Seizures are a sign of brain dysfunction and can occur as a response to the stress caused by lack of oxygen.
Do paralyzed people have seizures?
Someone who is paralysed could also happen to have epilepsy and if they did, then they could have seizures. Seizures come in many forms, not just the stereotypical idea of people shaking. A seizure is caused by an increased amount of electrical activity in the brain. The fact that someone is incapable of moving by themselves will not have any effect on whether there can be a disruption of electrical activity in their brain. So paralysed people can have seizures
Can syncope cause seizures?
Syncope is a loss of consciousness or fainting, sometimes caused by lack of oxygen to the brain, but is different to Epilepsy. Seizures in Epilepsy are caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. So Syncope would not be a cause of seizures.
Can a fall injury cause seizures?
Seizures are caused by unusual electrical activity in the brain. A back injury would not directly cause that to happen. It is possible that someone with a back injury could also happen to have seizures. If seizures started around the same time as the back injury, then it would be important to know how the back injury was caused and if something else could have happened at the time which led to the start of seizures. Only a doctor that could examine the person could establish if there is any connection.
What is the purpose of topiramate?
Topiramate is thought to decrease and balance the abnormal electrical activity within the brain that may trigger seizures.
Can street drug withdrawal cause seizures similar to Grand mal epileptsy?
Epilepsy is caused by unusual electrical activity in the brain. Everyone has electrical activity in their brain, but if this is disrupted in any way, a seizure can occur. If someone who has been on drugs has done some damage to their brain, there is the potential for them to have seizures, so it can happen.
How does primidone work?
Primidone is thought to decrease abnormal activity within the brain that may trigger seizures.
Can lack of blood flow to the brain cause seizure activity?
Lack of blood can indeed cause seizures.
What is an abdominal seizure?
Abdominal seizures occur in your gastrointestinal system, with symptoms surfacing on a regular basis. Such symptoms can interfere with everyday life. Abdominal seizures are characterized by recurring attacks of extreme pain, bloating, nausea, abdominal twitching and gas. Abdominal seizures are rare, and the symptoms can be misinterpreted for other gastrointestinal problems. Abdominal seizures are also referred to as abdominal epilepsy and autonomic seizures. Abdominal seizures are often related to brain seizures. Therefore, your doctor will use an electrocephalogram (ECG) to monitor your brain activity while you have abdominal seizure symptoms in order to make a proper diagnosis.
Can atraumatic brain injury cause seizures?
Yes, atraumatic brain injury can lead to seizures due to disruptions in normal brain function following the injury. Seizures may occur immediately after the injury or develop weeks to months later. It is important for individuals with atraumatic brain injuries to receive proper medical evaluation and management to address any potential seizure activity.
