A seizure is the uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain, which may produce a physical convulsion, minor physical signs, thought disturbances, or a combination of symptoms.
The type of symptoms and seizures depend on where the abnormal electrical activity takes place in the brain, what its cause is, and such factors as the patient's age and general state of health.
Seizures can be caused by head injuries, brain tumors, lead poisoning, maldevelopment of the brain, genetic and infectious illnesses, and fevers. In fully half of the patients with seizures, no cause can yet be found.
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.
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Other Causes of Seizures
- Brain Degeneration Diseases
- Genetic Disorders
- Illicit Drugs (Amphetamines, Phencyclidine)
- Infection of Brain (Bacterial, Viral, Parasitic)
- Liver Failure
- Medications
- Trauma Injury
- Unknown Cause (Idiopathic Seizures)
Examples of Medications for Seizures
- carbamazepine, Tegretol, Tegretol XR , Equetro, Carbatrol, Epitol, Teril
- clonazepam (Klonopin)
- gabapentin (Neurontin)
- lamotrigine, Lamictal, Lamictal CD, Lamictal ODT, Lamictal XR
- phenytoin, Dilantin, Dilantin Infatabs, Phenytek, Phenytoin Infatabs
- topiramate, Topamax, Qudexy XR, Topamax Sprinkle, Topiragen, Trokendi XR
- valproic acid, divalproex, Depakote, Depakote Sprinkle, Depakote ER, Depakene, Depacon, Stavzor
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