When the brain is functioning normally electrical signals move along neurons that either excite or inhibit other neurons.  When too many neurons become excited simultaneously, the result is a seizure.  A seizure is an electrical storm in the brain. 

The areas of the brain that are involved in the seizure are not able to perform normal tasks.  Seizures may last several seconds or several minutes.

Many different external and internal factors can cause abnormal activity in the electrical signal of neurons.  A change in the brain’s electrical activity can cause a seizure, an uncontrolled surge of electrical activity, to occur in one or more areas of the brain.

Epilepsy is spontaneous reoccurring seizures not preceded by an event or injury. An individual that has a seizure does not necessarily have epilepsy. There are different types of seizures, some of which are difficult to recognize.  Currently, electroencephalogram or QEEG is used to detect some types of seizures. 

Most seizure disorders can be treated with neurofeedback or medication, in some cases surgery may be necessary. If you are concerned that you or someone you know is having seizures you need to contact your physician. 

Other Useful links about Seizure Disorders / Epilepsy

• Warning Signs of Seizures
  • Please review the warning signs, the symptoms of a seizure occurring , and the after-seizure symptoms
• Who develops Epilepsy?
  • Epilepsy can develop in any person at any age. Learn more about who develops epilepsy and when are most people likely to get it.
• What causes Epilepsy
  • Read about how strokes, tumors, and brain injuries contribute to the causes of epilepsy
• Types of Seizures
  • Generalized Seizures
    • Simple Absence seizures
    • Atypical Absence seizures
    • Myoclonic seizures
    • Atonic seizures
    • Tonic seizures
    • Clonic seizures
    • Tonic-clonic seizures
  • Partial Seizures
    • Simple partial seizures
    • Complex partial seizures
    • Secondarily generalized seizures