In the past seizures were not well understood. As a result, people often thought seizures were caused by supernatural occurrences. For someone who is trying to begin understanding epilepsy – what is a seizure?
The human mind is made up of trillions of brain cells, or neurons. The neurons communicate with each other when they become excited and give off electrical impulses that are created from a chemical reaction inside of the neuron. These impulses either travel along the neuron’s axon, or cross what is called a synapse–the gap between neurons.
A seizure occurs as a result of a large number of brain cells becoming “overexcited,” which results in electrical impulses going haywire. Normally, the electrical signals generated inhibit other brain cells or excite them, which controls bodily and brain functions normally. When the brain sends off too many electrical signals to the wrong brain cells, then normal boy and brain functions can become affected. A seizure can be very brief, lasting a few seconds up to a couple of minutes.
Some of the ways a seizure can effect a person can include their awareness, the way they feel, the sensations they experience, and even the way they act. After a seizure occurs, people gradually regain their normal functioning during a period of time referred to as the post-ictal period.
What is the Difference Between Epilepsy and Seizures?
A seizure is an isolated event. In order to have epilepsy a person must have two or more seizures that aren’t triggered by an external factor. For instance, if someone hits their head and immediately has a seizure, then this doesn’t mean the person has epilepsy. However, if this person eventually starts having seizures without an apparent cause, then this may be epilepsy.
If you suspect you are suffering from seizures or think you may have epilepsy please see your doctor immediately for an evaluation.
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