What Causes Seizures?
While it is difficult to pinpoint exactly what causes many seizures, a great deal has been learned about this condition. It is understood that a seizure occurs due to disruptions in the brain cells¡¯ (neurons) electrical signals, causing a sudden electrical discharge in the brain that may affect an individual¡¯s sensation, behavior, and/or consciousness. It is also understood that seizures may be partial (occurring in one or more regions of a single side of the brain) or generalized (occurring in both sides of the brain simultaneously).
Diagnosing what causes a specific patient¡¯s seizures involves determining if the seizure is:
- Unprovoked ¨C Caused by phenomena occurring within the body such as:
- Congenital defects
- Genetic factors
- An infection
- Neurological problems
- Chemical imbalances
- Provoked ¨C Caused by external factors such as:
- Drug and/or alcohol use
- Medications
- Head trauma
- Brain tumors
- Stroke
- Birth trauma
Tampa General Hospital is a leading destination for patients seeking treatment for seizure disorders. As a Level 4 epilepsy center, we provide the highest level of medical and surgical services for individuals experiencing seizures. Our team utilizes the most advanced diagnostic tools to help identify what causes a patient¡¯s seizures and treatment techniques to help produce the best possible outcomes.