Understanding Epilepsy & Seizures: Types & Treatments

01/09/2026

Did you know that one out of every ten people will experience at least one seizure episode in their lifetime? Seizures are triggered by abnormal electrical activity within the brain circuit. 

But what really happens in the brain circuits during a seizure? If you are suffering from epilepsy, you or your caregivers must be familiar with the signs of seizures. However, it is equally important to understand what triggers seizures in the brain.

Read Also: Dealing With Epilepsy With The Right Knowledge

What are Seizures?

Seizures are episodes of aberrant electrical activity in the brain. The most distinguishing features of a seizure are a momentary loss of consciousness and involuntary movements. Seizures can manifest in several ways. Perhaps you may pause for a moment and look blankly ahead. A twitching or jerking sensation in your muscles is possible. Seizures can occur as seldom as once in a lifetime or as frequently as many times a day. Seizures can impact people drastically in different ways.

Seizures can have many different triggers since so many different factors might mess with your brain's regular electrical pathways. Some of them include fluctuations in your blood sugar levels, as well as changes caused by trauma, injury, or underlying disease.

Read Also: Top most Neurological Disorders and their symptoms

What is the Connection Between Epilepsy And Seizures?

Recurrent seizures are the most common manifestation of epilepsy. In other words, an epileptic episode can be likened to a violent storm that can sweep you off your feet. You may experience jerking or twitching in your hands and feet. It may stay for a while or pass quickly like a rain shower. Staying unaware of when the storm clouds will roll in and lightning will strike can make life challenging.

What Happens to Brain Activity During a Seizure?

An abrupt and powerful surge of electrical current interrupts the normal functioning of the brain during a seizure. This process could be localized to a small area of the brain and continue for a few seconds, or it could spread to the entire brain and continue for a considerable time. In order to regulate movement, thoughts, and memories, the human brain is always firing electrical pulses. The vast network of neurons, comprising billions of cells across the body and brain, is responsible for transmitting these electrical pulses. Neurons use chemical messengers called neurotransmitters to transmit electrical pulses, or "messages," to other neurons and the rest of the body. 

What are the Types of Seizures?

The following are types of seizures:

Classification Based On	Type	Sub-Type	Description
Onset of electrical activity	Generalized seizures (generalized onset)		Electrical activity starts on both sides of the brain at the same time. May cause shaking on both sides of the body, shaking on one side, or staring spells with loss of activity. Common in children and young adults, but can occur at any age.
		Absence seizures	Sudden pause in activity with a blank stare.
		Atonic (drop) seizures	Sudden loss of muscle control, causing a fall.
		Clonic seizures	Rhythmic shaking on both sides of the body with loss of consciousness, or shaking on one side without passing out.
		Myoclonic seizures	Sudden, brief jerks or twitches affecting one muscle or a group of muscles.
		Secondary generalized seizures	Starts as a focal seizure and then spreads to both sides of the brain.
		Tonic-clonic seizures	Muscle stiffening, loss of consciousness, and convulsions.
		Tonic seizures	Loss of consciousness with muscle stiffening, without convulsions.
	Focal seizures (focal onset)		Electrical activity begins in one specific area (“focus”) of the brain. Symptoms usually affect one side of the body. Awareness may or may not be affected, and memory of the event may be absent.
		Focal onset aware seizures (simple partial)	Awareness is preserved, and the person can remember the seizure.
		Focal onset impaired awareness seizures (complex partial)	Loss of awareness with confusion; the person usually cannot remember the seizure.
Cause of seizure	Provoked seizures (non-epileptic)		Seizures are triggered by temporary conditions or specific circumstances.
	Unprovoked seizures (epileptic)		Seizures occur spontaneously and may happen repeatedly; they are the primary symptom of epilepsy.
	Idiopathic seizures		Seizures that occur without an identifiable cause.

What are the Neurological Causes of the Seizures?

The following are the factors that trigger the seizures in brain:

• Abnormal blood sugar levels (low or very high blood sugar)
• Flashing or flickering lights
• Certain medications
• Heat illness
• Sleep deprivation
• High fever
• Stress
• Substance use (including alcohol withdrawal)

What are the Risk Factors of the Seizures?

The following are the risk factors behind seizures:

• Underlying medical conditions
• Family history of conditions responsible for seizures
• Young children with an underdeveloped brain
• Advancing age

In What Conditions Do Seizures Happen?

The following conditions are the causes of seizures:

• Aneurysms
• Cerebral hypoxia
• Brain tumors
• Heart diseases
• Diabetes
• Brain  injuries
• Degenerative brain diseases like Alzheimer’s disease or frontotemporal dementia
• Eclampsia (a serious pregnancy-related condition marked by the sudden onset of seizures due to high blood pressure)
• Electrolyte imbalances, especially low sodium, calcium, or magnesium
• Epilepsy (seizures occurring without any clear, underlying cause)
• Genetic conditions
• Hormonal disorders
• Sepsis (serious blood infection)
• Brain infections (especially encephalitis and meningitis)
• Inflammation due to autoimmune conditions
• Mental health issues like conversion disorder
• Congenital brain anomalies (abnormalities occurring at birth)
• Strokes
• Toxins and poisons (such as carbon monoxide poisoning or heavy metal poisoning)
• Venomous bites or stings

What are the Seizure Treatment Options in Jaipur?

The following are the seizure treatment options available in Jaipur:

• Anti-seizure medications
• Managing any underlying causes or conditions
• Surgical correction of the brain area from where the seizure starts
• Brain stimulation, such as vagal nerve stimulation

Conclusion

Seizures are unpleasant events to encounter and very scary to witness. You may not feel like yourself before, throughout, or following a seizure. One might need time to recover after a seizure.

Even if you have no control over your seizures, an expert neurologist can help stay ahead of the symptoms. Your doctor may propose therapies after the detection of the root cause, or they will assist you in identifying and avoiding potential triggers. Medications can help minimize repeated seizures. Surgery can be advised if other treatments fail.

If you have any concerns about what to expect or how to keep yourself or a loved one safe during a seizure, please consult the top neurologists in Jaipur for personalised advice at Eternal Hospital. Book your consultation now.

FAQs

Q1: What is the difference between epilepsy and seizures?
A: A seizure is a single episode caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain, while epilepsy is a neurological condition marked by recurrent, unprovoked seizures.

Q2: Can seizures be triggered by lifestyle factors?
A: Yes, common seizure triggers include sleep deprivation, stress, alcohol withdrawal, flashing lights, missed medications, and abnormal blood sugar levels.

Q3: How is epilepsy diagnosed?
A: Epilepsy diagnosis usually involves a detailed medical history, neurological examination, EEG (electroencephalogram), and brain imaging tests like MRI or CT scans.