Are Seizures Always Serious?

Many people are familiar with grand mal seizures, which cause convulsions and often unconsciousness. However, there’s more to epilepsy than severe types of seizures. If you have seizures, it’s always necessary to get treatment. While not all seizures are dangerous, they all require medical management. 

At Neurology Specialists of Albuquerque board-certified neurologist Timothy Ownbey, DO, provides on-site diagnostic seizure testing, and comprehensive treatment for managing seizures. 

Seizures occur on a spectrum

An estimated 3 million people in the US have epilepsy. A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain. Seizures can cause changes in behavior, movements, feelings, and levels of consciousness. The nature and intensity of seizures can differ widely. 

Some might involve a momentary lapse of attention, while others result in convulsions. The type, frequency, and underlying causes play a role in managing them effectively.

Not all seizures are epilepsy-related

One common misconception is that all seizures are a sign of epilepsy. While epilepsy is a condition characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures, not everyone who experiences a seizure has epilepsy. 

Some seizures have specific triggers, such as high fever in children (febrile seizures), extreme stress, head injuries, or even certain medications. Identifying and managing these triggers are key to managing these types of seizures.

Severity depends on type and duration

The seriousness of a seizure often depends on its type and duration. Generalized tonic-clonic seizures, previously known as grand mal seizures, are intense and can pose immediate risks, such as injury from falling or prolonged lack of oxygen. 

In contrast, absence seizures, often brief and involving subtle body movements, might not carry the same immediate physical risks but can still impact the quality of life and safety. Prolonged seizures (status epilepticus) or rapidly occurring seizures without recovery in between are medical emergencies and require urgent medical attention.

The impact on daily life and health

The seriousness of seizures also extends beyond the immediate physical effects. The unpredictability of seizures can impact a person's ability to drive, work, or engage in certain activities, significantly affecting their independence and mental health. 

What’s more, underlying conditions causing seizures, like neurological disorders or brain tumors, can have their own serious implications.

The dangers of unmanaged seizures 

Prolonged or frequent uncontrolled seizures can escalate into status epilepticus, a medical emergency that may result in lasting brain damage, cognitive decline, or even life-threatening complications. 

The unpredictability and chronic nature of unmanaged seizures can severely impact mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and a diminished quality of life. These factors highlight the critical importance of timely and effective seizure management to safeguard health and well-being.

Importance of medical evaluation and treatment

If you experience a seizure, a thorough medical evaluation is crucial to determine the cause, assess the potential seriousness, and recommend an effective treatment plan. For some, this might involve medication management and lifestyle adjustments.

Treatment isn’t just about managing seizures; it's also about enhancing your overall well-being and quality of life.

With the right management plan, most people with seizures can lead full, active lives with very few restrictions. For comprehensive seizure management, contact the Neurology Specialists of Albuquerque to schedule a visit with Dr. Ownbey today.