An epileptic seizure is the body and brain's response to sudden bursts of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. A seizure may affect a person's muscle control, movement, speech, vision, or awareness (consciousness).
There are two types of seizures.
- Generalized seizures begin over the entire surface of the brain and may involve the whole body. The origin of these seizures cannot be traced to a specific location in the brain. The cause of generalized seizures is presumed to be genetic. Epilepsy that causes generalized seizures is more common in children than in adults. Generalized seizures are usually treated with medicines. But surgery may be helpful in some cases.
- Focal seizures (sometimes called partial seizures) begin in a specific location in the brain. The cause of these seizures is not always clear, but they often result from severe head injury, stroke, brain tumor, brain infections, scar tissue, and other diseases that affect the brain. Focal seizures may affect awareness and only one side or part of the body or may involve the entire body. They commonly occur in adults with epilepsy, but children can also develop them. This type of seizure is usually treated with medicines. But surgery to remove the affected area of the brain or interrupt certain pathways is an option for some people.