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Generalized Seizure  
Generalized seizure

Abnormal and excessive electrical activity in the brain.

Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Definition  

A seizure happens when there are certain types of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. When two or more seizures occur, it is considered a seizure disorder (epilepsy). While there are many different types of seizures, the main categories are:

  • Generalized seizure—onset is throughout the brain (both hemispheres)
  • Partial seizure (focal seizure)—begins within certain areas of the brain
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Causes  

Seizure disorder is caused by abnormal brain function. While it is often difficult to identify the exact cause, factors include:

  • Genetic disorder
  • Brain infection, trauma , tumor ; bleeding into the brain; or other brain damage
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Risk Factors  

Risk factors for developing seizure disorder include:

  • Premature birth or low birth weight
  • Damage to brain during birth
  • Abnormal brain structure
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Brain infection
  • Brain tumor
  • Seizure soon after birth (in first month)
  • Family history of seizure disorder
  • Cysticercosis (an infection caused by a pork tapeworm )

If your child already has a seizure disorder, these factors can increase the chance of having a seizure:

  • Sleep deprivation
  • Stress
  • Hormonal changes (eg, during the menstrual cycle)
  • Flashing lights (eg, strobe lights)
  • Use of certain medicines or drugs
  • Missing doses of anti-seizure medicines
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Symptoms  

There are many kinds of seizure disorders with a variety of symptoms like:

  • Aura—a sensation at the start of a seizure (eg, perception of an odd smell or sound, spots appearing in front of the eyes, or stomach sensations)
  • Staring, eye blinking, or eye rolling
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Repeated jerking of a single limb
  • Uncontrollable jerking of muscles
  • Hand rubbing, lip smacking, or picking at clothing
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control
  • Drowsiness or confusion after a seizure
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Diagnosis  

The doctor will ask about your child’s symptoms and medical history and do a physical exam. Tests may include:

  • Blood tests
  • Electroencephalogram (EEG)—uses sensors to evaluate electrical brain activity
  • MRI scan —uses magnetic waves to make pictures of structures inside the brain
  • CT scan —type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of structures inside the head
  • Lumbar puncture —test of the cerebrospinal fluid from the lower back
  • Magnetoencephalography (MEG)—imaging device that measures the brain's magnetic fields
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Treatment  

You will work with the doctor to choose a treatment plan that is right for your child. Options include:

Medication  

There are many different kinds of medicines to treat seizure disorder. Common examples include:

  • For generalized seizure disorder: valproic acid (Depakote), phenytoin (Dilantin)
  • For partial seizure disorder: carbamazepine (Tegretol, Carbatrol, Tegretol XR), phenytoin (Dilantin), lamotrigine (Lamictal), oxcarbazepine (Trileptal)

Surgery  

If medicine does not work or the side effects are too severe, your child may need surgery. Surgery involves the removal of the seizure focus. This is the area of the brain that starts the seizure. Surgery is only an option if your child has very localized areas of the brain involved.

Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)  

With VNS, a device is implanted in the chest. It provides electrical stimulation to the vagus nerve, a long nerve that runs from the brain to beyond the stomach. VNS can prevent or decrease the frequency of seizures. If this is an option for your child, he may still need to take medicine.