Does epilepsy cause seizure?

A seizure is a temporary burst of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. It may cause shaking, stiffening, unusual sensations, staring, changes in awareness, strange behaviour or loss of responsiveness. The effects depend on which brain areas are involved, so not every seizure looks like a convulsion.

Epilepsy is a neurological condition in which seizures happen because of an ongoing tendency in the brain. A seizure can also result from fever, low blood sugar, sleep deprivation, withdrawal from alcohol or another acute problem. A clinician considers the circumstances, medical history, examination and test results before deciding whether epilepsy is present.

Move nearby hazards away, cushion the head, loosen tight clothing and note when the seizure starts. Once movements stop, place the person on their side and stay with them while they recover. Do not hold them down, put anything in their mouth, or offer food and drink until they are fully alert. Keep prescribed anti-seizure medicine exactly as directed.

Call emergency services if a seizure lasts several minutes, another begins before recovery, breathing remains abnormal, the person is injured, the seizure occurs in water, or it is a first suspected seizure. Seek prompt care for a new change in seizure pattern, prolonged confusion or serious illness.

Ask what type of seizure may have occurred, whether epilepsy is confirmed, which tests are appropriate, how to use prescribed rescue medicine, and how to make home and work safer.