They say that this argues against the theory that recurrent seizures cause damage to healthy brain tissue. A study investigated structural changes in the brains of people with epilepsy. To accomplish this, pooled data from 24 different research centers around the world was used. MRI brain scans of 2, individuals with different types of epilepsy were compared to those of 1, healthy individuals.
Researchers found shared reductions in gray matter across different types of epilepsy. They also observed structural changes that were specific to certain types of epilepsy. An example of this is the reduced volume of the hippocampus , the area associated with memory, in people with temporal lobe epilepsy.
A meta-analysis assessed 42 articles on temporal lobe epilepsy that was resistant to treatment with antiseizure medications. The researchers found that:. A study in rats looked at how seizure-like activity impacted memory consolidation. Memory function can be affected in some types of epilepsy, including temporal lobe epilepsy.
Memory consolidation normally happens during sleep and involves small ripples of activity in the hippocampus, the area of the brain concerned with memory. These ripples can be followed by activity in the prefrontal cortex, an area involved in higher-level cognitive functions. In people with temporal lobe epilepsy, short bursts of electrical activity called IEDs can happen between seizures. The researchers wanted to see if these abnormal bursts of electrical activity impacted memory in rats.
They found that:. The researchers believe that IEDs can disrupt normal signaling for memory consolidation. In short, IEDs from the hippocampus may impact how the prefrontal cortex responds to signaling from this area, potentially affecting memory. A study used a modeling program to estimate brain age in individuals with temporal lobe epilepsy and healthy individuals.
Some notable points from this study are:. In summary, researchers found that modeling showed that the brains of people with temporal lobe epilepsy were both structurally and functionally older than their actual chronological age. However, the researchers note that the exact cause of this observation remains unknown.
Future studies are needed to investigate this. A seizure happens when neurons in the brain send many signals all at once. Most seizures do not last very long. Some may have no noticeable symptoms, while others can lead to loss of consciousness or uncontrolled muscle twitching. During this time, the person may experience sleepiness, confusion, and agitation. This can last for a few minutes or several hours. A seizure is the result of an imbalance of the excitation and inhibition parts of the brain.
This imbalance can result from genetic or environmental factors. An electroencephalogram EEG test measures the electrical activity of the brain. People who have epilepsy tend to have certain EEG patterns that mean that they are more likely to have seizures. People may also need to undergo an MRI scan , which looks at changes in the brain that may cause seizures.
Most tonic-clonic seizures stop by themselves, and people do not usually need to take antiseizure medications. However, if a person needs emergency treatment, doctors will usually administer benzodiazepines intravenously or intranasally. A person may require antiepileptic medications to reduce the risk of seizures happening again.
There are several risk factors for experiencing a seizure. These factors include :. There is also evidence to suggest that not getting enough sleep and exposure to flashing lights, such as strobe lights in nightclubs, can trigger seizures in certain people. Although people can develop epilepsy at any age, it is more common for people to develop it in childhood or over the age of 60 years.
However, having many seizures, or having seizures that are particularly severe, may cause a person to become more forgetful or find it difficult to concentrate. People with epilepsy have an increased risk of developing depression. People are also at higher risk of anxiety. This may need medical treatment, often in the form of antidepressants or therapy. In adults, the common causes include: Stroke Imbalance of substances in the blood, such as low blood sugar Drinking too much alcohol or having alcohol withdrawal after previous heavy alcohol use Who is at risk for status epilepticus?
There are many risk factors for status epilepticus including: Poorly controlled epilepsy Low blood sugar Stroke Kidney failure Liver failure Encephalitis swelling or inflammation of the brain HIV Alcohol or drug abuse Genetic diseases such as Fragile X syndrome and Angelman syndrome Head injuries What are the symptoms of status epilepticus?
These are possible symptoms of status epilepticus: Muscle spasms Falling Confusion Unusual noises Loss of bowel or bladder control Clenched teeth Irregular breathing Unusual behavior Difficulty speaking A "daydreaming" look How is status epilepticus diagnosed?
How is status epilepticus treated? Healthcare providers may use anti-seizure drugs to treat the problem, including: Diazepam Lorazepam Phenytoin Fosphenytoin Phenobarbital Valproate These drugs are given through an IV or an injection into a muscle.
What are the complications of status epilepticus? Can status epilepticus be prevented? Key points about status epilepticus Status epilepticus has many causes. Some can be prevented such as low blood glucose or alcohol and drug abuse. Individuals who have epilepsy must take their medicine as directed. A seizure that lasts more than 5 minutes, or having more than 1 within a 5 minute period is an emergency that requires immediate medical care.
Next steps Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider: Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen. Before your visit, write down questions you want answered. Prior permission must be obtained for inclusion in fee-based materials. Please click the button below to provide feedback.
Provide Factsheet Feedback. Skip to main content. TBI Factsheets. Seizures After Traumatic Brain Injury. On this page: What are Seizures? What do we call seizures after TBI Medications to treat seizures What if the medications do not work?
What are Seizures? During a seizure, one or more of the following symptoms may occur: Unusual movement of the head, body, arms, legs, or eyes. This may include stiffening, jerking, or shaking. Unresponsiveness and staring. Chewing, lip smacking, or fumbling movements. Changes in sense of smell, hearing, or taste. Sudden tiredness or dizziness.
Not being able to speak or understand others. New outbursts of anger or tearfulness. Some conditions that may increase the risk of having a seizure include: High fever.
Loss of sleep and extreme fatigue. Drug and alcohol use. Chemical changes in the body such as low sodium or magnesium, or high calcium. This is called epilepsy. A seizure that occurs more than 1 week after a TBI is called a late posttraumatic seizure. Half of all people who develop epilepsy will continue to have seizures throughout their lives, but they can usually be managed with medications.
Medications to treat seizures Medicines used to control seizures are called antiepileptic drugs AEDs. Some common side effects of AEDs are: Sleepiness or fatigue.
Worsening of balance.
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