Understanding Seizures and Treatment Options
Learn about seizures, their common causes, types, and symptoms. Explore effective treatment options, including medications, lifestyle changes, and when to seek medical help for seizure management.
Written by Dr. J T Hema Pratima
Reviewed by Dr. Rohinipriyanka Pondugula MBBS
Last updated on 2nd Dec, 2025
Introduction
Seizures can be a frightening experience, both for the person having them and for those around them. If you or someone you know has experienced a seizure, it’s natural to have questions and concerns. This article will help you understand what seizures are, their causes, symptoms, and available treatment options in simple, easy-to-understand terms.
What Are Seizures?
A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain that temporarily affects how a person behaves, moves, or feels. Seizures can vary in intensity and some may cause brief moments of confusion, while others can lead to loss of consciousness and uncontrollable shaking.
Common Symptoms of Seizures
Seizures can present in different ways, depending on which part of the brain is affected. Some common signs include:
Staring spells (brief loss of awareness)
Jerking movements of arms and legs
Stiffening of the body
Loss of consciousness
Confusion or memory gaps after the episode
Unusual sensations (tingling, strange smells, or tastes)
Not all seizures look the same. Some may be subtle, while others are more noticeable.
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What Causes Seizures?
Seizures can be triggered by various factors, including:
Epilepsy (a neurological disorder where seizures recur)
High fever (especially in children, known as febrile seizures)
Head injuries
Brain infections (like meningitis or encephalitis)
Stroke or brain tumors
Low blood sugar or electrolyte imbalances
Drug or alcohol withdrawal
Sometimes, seizures happen without any clear cause. If seizures occur repeatedly without an obvious trigger, it may be diagnosed as epilepsy.
How Are Seizures Diagnosed?
If you or a loved one experiences a seizure, a doctor will likely recommend tests to determine the cause. These may include:
Medical history and physical exam – To check for possible triggers.
Electroencephalogram (EEG) – Measures brain wave activity.
MRI or CT scans – Looks for structural abnormalities in the brain.
Blood tests – To check for infections, metabolic issues, or other causes.
Early diagnosis helps in managing seizures effectively.
Treatment Options for Seizures
The right treatment depends on the cause and type of seizures. Common approaches include:
1. Medications (Anti-Seizure Drugs)
Most people with epilepsy or recurring seizures are prescribed anti-seizure medications. These help control electrical activity in the brain. Finding the right medication may take time, and doctors may adjust doses based on effectiveness and side effects.
2. Lifestyle Changes
Certain habits can help reduce seizure triggers:
Get enough sleep – Lack of sleep can increase seizure risk.
Manage stress – Relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation may help.
Avoid alcohol and drugs – These can lower seizure thresholds.
Eat a balanced diet – Some people benefit from a ketogenic diet (high-fat, low-carb), which has been shown to help control seizures in some cases.
3. Surgery
If medications don’t work, surgery may be an option for people with epilepsy. This involves removing the part of the brain causing seizures (only if it’s safe to do so).
4. Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)
A small device implanted in the chest sends mild electrical pulses to the brain via the vagus nerve, helping reduce seizures.
5. Responsive Neurostimulation (RNS)
A newer treatment where a device monitors brain activity and delivers electrical stimulation to prevent seizures before they start.
What to Do If Someone Has a Seizure?
Witnessing a seizure can be scary, but staying calm and taking the right steps can help:
Stay with the person until the seizure ends.
Gently guide them to the floor if they’re standing to prevent injury.
Turn them on their side to help with breathing.
Do not restrain them or put anything in their mouth (they won’t swallow their tongue).
Time the seizure – If it lasts more than 5 minutes or repeats without recovery, seek emergency help.
When to See a Doctor?
Consult a doctor if:
It’s the first seizure you’ve experienced.
Seizures last longer than usual or happen more frequently.
You notice new symptoms along with seizures.
If you or a loved one needs expert advice, consider booking a consultation with a neurologist through Apollo 24|7 for personalized care and treatment options.
Conclusion
While seizures can be challenging, many people lead full, active lives with proper treatment and lifestyle adjustments. If you have epilepsy or experience seizures, staying informed, following your treatment plan, and having a support system can make a big difference.
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Consult Top Specialists
Dr. Abhirup Chakrabarti
General Practitioner
10 Years • MBBS
Chennai
Dr Abhirup Chakrabarti, Chennai
Dr. Rijesh Kumar
General Practitioner
14 Years • MBBS
Chennai
Hycare Super Speciality Hospitals, Chennai
Dr. Tapabrata Ray
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
4 Years • MBBS,DGM,CPMeC,ACMDC
Kolkata
MCR SUPER SPECIALITY POLY CLINIC & PATHOLOGY, Kolkata
Dr. Pinaki Mukhopadhyay
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
32 Years • MBBS
Kolkata
MCR SUPER SPECIALITY POLY CLINIC & PATHOLOGY, Kolkata
(25+ Patients)
Dr. Arif Ahmed
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
9 Years • MBBS, MD (Genl. Med.)
Kolkata
MCR SUPER SPECIALITY POLY CLINIC & PATHOLOGY, Kolkata
