What Happens to the Brain During a Seizure?

A seizure is a quick surge of electrical activity that occurs in the brain and typically affects how a person feels or acts. While some seizures are barely noticed because of the slight effects (a feeling of pins and needles in the thumb for a few seconds), other seizures may be dangerous and scary. An individual with epilepsy may experience violent seizures that result in unconsciousness, jerky uncontrollable movements and loss of control of his bowels and bladder.

Effects

• The effects on an individual due to a seizure vary, depending upon the part of the brain that has been altered.

Partial Seizures

• Partial seizures are those that occur in only one part of the brain. These seizures are more common than other types of seizures.

Generalized Seizures

• Generalized seizures are those that result from abnormal activity on both sides of the brain. Generalized seizures can be sub-categorized into other major types such as generalized tonic clonic, myoclonic and atonic seizures.

Tonic-Clonic Seizures

• A tonic-clonic seizure (once known as a grand mal seizure) is a generalized seizure caused by abnormal electrical activity in the entire brain. These seizures are very apparent, as they involve violent muscle movements and a loss of consciousness. A tonic-clonic seizure may result from other health problems, such as extremely low blood sugar or kidney failure (see Resources).

Temporal Lobe Seizures

• A temporal lobe seizure is a partial seizure. The temporal lobes are located on the sides of the head, above the ears. Because the temporal lobe processes emotions, when an individual experiences a seizure there, he may experience odd feelings, such as fear or laughter.