Epilepsy is a condition that affects the electrical function of the brain. The condition can cause three types of seizures: generalized seizures, partial seizures and status epilepticus.
Generalized Seizures
Generalized seizures cause a loss of consciousness and may or may not include convulsions. After one of these seizures, the person is often left confused, tired, irritable and may have a headache.
Partial Seizures
Partial seizures affect only one part of the brain and may or may not cause a loss of consciousness. This is the most common epileptic seizure.
Status Epilepticus
A status epilepticus occurs when seizures are prolonged or come in a series, often lasting for 30 minutes. Seizures that last longer than 5 minutes require emergency attention.
Triggers
Seizures are sometimes triggered by things such as foods or drinks, hormone changes, stress, sleep patterns and photosensitivity. Other times, seizures occur without a trigger.
Predicting Seizures
Symptoms may occur to signal an oncoming seizure. These symptoms may include blurred vision, racing thoughts, abdominal pain, dizziness or numbness, among others.
Tags: cause loss, cause loss consciousness, loss consciousness, status epilepticus