What Are the Risks If Seizures Go Untreated?

A seizure is a type of abnormal electrical activity in the brain that causes changes in vision, consciousness, speech, emotion and muscle control, according to Medline Plus, seizures left untreated can cause physical health risks to an individuals.

Head Injuries

• Seizures untreated with anti-epileptic drugs may pose a risk to head injury. A person who has a seizure could fall and hit her head on a hard surface resulting in a head injury that requires urgent medical care.

Safety

• Untreated seizures can create a safety issue. A seizure that occurs when the person is driving could cause them to lose consciousness and get into an accident. When babysitting or working in a supervisory role, a seizure could pose a danger if others are left undirected or unsupervised.

Stress on the Body

• Seizures cause severe stress on all of the muscle groups and the brain---making someone very tired and weak after a seizure.

Status Epilepticus

• Status epilepticus is a long-lasting seizure that can cause severe brain damage and death. Most of these seizures occur unexpectedly, in succession and last more than 30 minutes.

Death

• In some people with chronic seizure activity, choking can occur if the tongue begins to block off the airway. Some seizures can also cause an abnormal heart rhythm. Either of these conditions could lead to brain damage or death if not treated promptly.