What is Fits Attack

Understanding Seizures and Their Types

A seizure is characterized by a sudden, uncontrolled burst of electrical activity in the brain, leading to changes in behavior, movements, feelings, and levels of consciousness. When a person experiences two or more seizures at least 24 hours apart without a known cause, this condition is classified as epilepsy.

There are numerous types of seizures, each with a diverse range of symptoms and severity. They can vary significantly based on their origin within the brain and how extensively they spread. Typically, most seizures last between 30 seconds and two minutes; however, a seizure lasting longer than five minutes is a medical emergency.

Seizures can occur due to various factors, including strokes, head injuries, infections like meningitis, or other illnesses. In many instances, the underlying cause remains unknown.

While most seizures can be effectively managed with medication, their impact on daily life can be profound. Collaborating with healthcare professionals to find the right balance between seizure control and managing potential side effects of medications is crucial for quality living.

Symptoms of Seizures

The symptoms of seizures vary widely depending on their type and can range from mild to severe. Common symptoms may include:

• Temporary confusion
• Staring spells
• Uncontrollable jerking movements of the arms and legs
• Loss of consciousness or awareness
• Cognitive or emotional changes, such as anxiety or feelings of déjà vu

Seizures are generally classified as focal or generalized based on the area of the brain involved and the nature of the electrical activity.

Focal Seizures

Focal seizures originate in one specific area of the brain and can occur with or without loss of consciousness:

• Focal Seizures with Impaired Awareness: These involve changes in consciousness, where individuals may seem awake but do not respond to their surroundings. They may exhibit repetitive movements, such as hand rubbing or lip smacking, and often do not remember the event afterward.

• Focal Seizures without Impaired Awareness: These seizures can alter emotions and sensory perceptions without affecting consciousness. Individuals may experience sudden feelings of anger or joy, along with sensory disturbances like tingling or visual changes.

Generalized Seizures

Generalized seizures affect all areas of the brain from the onset and include several types:

• Absence Seizures: Often seen in children, these seizures cause a brief loss of awareness, characterized by staring or subtle movements like eye blinking. They can occur multiple times a day.

• Tonic Seizures: These involve stiffening of muscles, typically affecting the back, arms, and legs, which may result in a loss of consciousness and falling.

• Atonic Seizures: Also known as drop seizures, these cause a sudden loss of muscle control, leading to falls.

• Clonic Seizures: Characterized by repeated jerking movements, clonic seizures typically involve both sides of the body.

• Myoclonic Seizures: These present as brief jerks or twitches of the limbs without loss of consciousness.

• Tonic-Clonic Seizures: Previously known as grand mal seizures, they involve loss of consciousness, body stiffening, and convulsions. These can begin as focal seizures before progressing to involve the entire brain.

Seizure Phases

Seizures can be broken down into three stages:

1. Prodrome: This early warning phase occurs hours or days before a seizure, often accompanied by changes in behavior or a vague sense of impending seizure.

2. Ictal Phase: This phase encompasses the actual seizure, with symptoms varying widely based on the seizure type.

3. Postictal Phase: Following a seizure, this recovery phase can last minutes to hours, with symptoms such as confusion, fatigue, and potential memory difficulties.

When to Seek Medical Attention

It's crucial to seek immediate medical help if you experience a seizure or witness someone having one under the following circumstances:

• The seizure lasts more than five minutes.
• The individual does not breathe after the seizure.
• A subsequent seizure occurs immediately.
• The seizure is accompanied by a high fever, heat exhaustion, pregnancy, or diabetes.
• An injury results from the seizure.

Causes of Seizures

Seizures occur when there is a disruption in the communication pathways of neurons, the brain's nerve cells. The most common cause is epilepsy, but seizures can also arise from various triggers, including:

• High fever (febrile seizures)
• Brain infections (meningitis, encephalitis)
• Severe illnesses (e.g., COVID-19)
• Lack of sleep
• Low sodium levels
• Certain medications
• New brain injuries
• Substance misuse, including alcohol and drugs

Complications of Seizures

Seizures can lead to several complications, posing risks such as:

• Falling and sustaining injuries
• Drowning during swimming or bathing
• Car accidents resulting from impaired consciousness
• Pregnancy complications for both the individual and the baby, especially if on anti-seizure medication
• Mental health issues, including increased risk of depression and anxiety

What is a Fits Attack?

A fits attack, often referred to in layman’s terms, can be synonymous with a seizure. Understanding what is a fits attack involves recognizing that it is a manifestation of abnormal electrical activity in the brain, leading to various physical symptoms and behaviors. Just like other types of seizures, fits attacks can vary in severity and type, highlighting the importance of awareness and proper medical intervention.

In summary, seizures encompass a complex range of symptoms and underlying causes, and understanding them is crucial for effective management and support. If you or someone you know experiences seizures, consulting a healthcare professional is essential for diagnosis and treatment.