Whats a seizure?

Have you ever seen someone suddenly start shaking uncontrollably, or maybe even pass out? Odds are you’ve witnessed a seizure. But what exactly is happening in that person’s brain and body during one of these episodes? Buckle up, folks, because we’re about to dive into the electrifying world of seizures.

The Shocking Truth About Seizures

Seizures happen when there’s abnormal activity in the brain, which can cause an array of physical and mental symptoms. This could be due to any number of causes such as head injuries (of both blunt and penetrating varieties), infections like meningitis or encephalitis (bonus points if you know what those are), drug use/abuse (Disclaimer: We here at Markdown Central do not condone illegal drug use), tumors (not the type your aunt Karen shares on Facebook) or certain genetic conditions. And while epilepsy is often associated with seizures, it certainly doesn’t have the monopoly on them.

If My Brain Had Wheels…

To understand what actually happens during a seizure though, let’s take things step by step:

  1. In normal circumstances our neurons (or brain cells) communicate with each other through electrical signals.
  2. When too many neurons activate at once – think chain reaction – this leads to an excessive amount of electrical energy building up in the brain tissue.
  3. Once there’s too much “excitation” going around without any regulation or constraints happening within the neuron population – this results in overload = SPARKS FLY! Which triggers EITHER…The loss of consciousness OR muscle shake-up madness
    4.IPJ ( Ignore Punctuation Job)

Wait…sparks fly? Are we talking metallic objects rubbing together kind-of-sparks-fly or more abstract?

Well friend…it’s complicated but no; not visible sparks flying everywhere from their ears/armpits whatever else you can conjure up – It’s more like an electrical storm of sorts, building inside the brain like lighting until BOOM! That energy is released all at once.

Types o’ Seizures

Seizures are classified into two types: generalized or partial seizures.

  • Generalized: Occur when changes in both sides (hemispheres) of the brain happen at the same time.
  • There are many subtypes of generalized seizures out there but you know what we always say; let’s keep things simple shall we? Two most common generalised seizure types would be tonic-clonic and absence.
  • Tonic-Clonic Genre: Imagine shaking so hard that your whole body looked like a big ol’ bowl of jello – except not wobbly laughing Jell-O.
    • During this type, you fall to the ground unceremoniously, making a trip to face plant city before commencing jiggling session
    • Onset for these seesaw shakes can start first with unconsciousness followed by “tonic” symptoms involving muscle stiffness & then immediately it’s party time; twitchings galore!
  • Absence Attacks :The individual becomes vacant and doesn’t participate in prior activities as their mind drifts away elsewhere taking little mini-holidays from our reality.

    • Look out for random eye fluttering movements here friends! Consistent remember walking/talking during those snaps back into reality sessions
  • Partial Seizures: Limited activity occuring within one hemisphere only.. . Thank god right?

  • These too have different types depending on which part of the head they chose to mess with. You may experience anything from feeling queasy + hearing strange noises/auras/ seeing distorted images/sensations Or..
    • Simple Partials mixed in sound n’ visuals = Auditory hallucinations brought on by unreal sensory inputs present and full body shaking/tremors on top of it all for that extra SPICE
    • Complex Partial episodes (Also known as Temporal Lobe Epilepsy) Channeling our inner scientist; Let’s say some irritation starts in the temporal area where memories/conversations/language is stored. Thus leading to a craziness of convulsions, staring times and sometimes even walking into walls – Don’t be THAT seizure patient guys.

Risk Factors: An Ounce of Prevention…

“Prevention is better than cure “as they say – so wouldn’t you rather stack the odds in your favor?

  • Alcohol Misuse (Bonus points if you know why)
  • Head Injuries : Hurling down a ski slope without helmets or throwing ourselves too recklessly down staircases can lead us to bonk skulls pretty hard from time-to-time.
  • Drug Abuse : But don’t take your one-man musical show starring Elvis Presley impersonations too far; just stick with the air guitaring …
  • Age factor (especially toddlers/elderly) which emphasizes importance of feeding them quality food options while ensuring vitamin levels wont affect their sleep/stress routines.

Wrapping Things Up… With A Bow

Understanding what happens during seizures requires keeping track of many subtle factors spanning multiple hemispheres. Whether using first aid assistance, consulting with healthcare providers, or other resources there are plenty ways available preventing unnecessary seizures always making sure peace-prevails!

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