The Evolution of Understanding: Epileptic Seizures
Tenzin Dhoundup
A seizure is a medical event in which a sudden surge of abnormal activity in the brain causes temporary involuntary changes in body, behavior, sensation, or awareness. Symptoms range from convulsions and loss of consciousness to subtle staring spells of confusion, as seen in absence seizures. Because the brain controls every aspect of human function, these electrical disruptions can manifest in remarkably diverse ways. Understanding the specific classification of these events is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective neurological intervention.
Throughout much of human history, seizures were often cloaked in superstition and fear and were frequently treated as a form of demonic possession. However, Hippocrates argued that seizures were not caused by spirits or ghosts, but were instead a natural disease originating in the brain. He was the first to hypothesize that the root cause of epilepsy began in the brain and could be inherited.
Today, seizures are understood as medical events caused by a surge of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Because the brain governs all aspects of human function, these disruptions can present in a variety of ways, ranging from subtle changes in awareness to severe convulsions.
These experiences typically unfold in distinct phases, beginning with a prodromal period characterized by subtle mood shifts or headaches. This often gives way to the "aura"a brief, intense window of altered perception. This can lead into a tonic-clonic episode, involving loss of consciousness, muscle twitching, or convulsions. Afterward comes the post-ictal phase, where the person often feels confused or delirious.
Given the complexity and variability of these phases, accurate diagnosis is essential for effective management. Some neurologists confirm a diagnosis using an electroencephalography(EEG), which can be performed in both outpatient and inpatient settings for prolonged seizures. They may also use neuroimaging techniques, such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and blood tests to check for issues like abnormal glucose levels or infections; labs are crucial for neurology as they could explain causes. Hypoglycemia can lead to erratic electrical brain and metabolic failure, which often results in tonic-clonic. Once a diagnosis is made, neurologists may provide medication; one of the most common is Keppra, which works by abating the overactive brain cells that cause seizures.
However, some patients may develop drug-resistant epilepsy, also known as refractory epilepsy, which requires additional interventions. In such cases, surgical options maybe considered, such as Stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG). This procedure involves placing thin electrodes into the brain through small, robot-assisted skull openings to monitor brain activity, with the goal of identifying the exact “epileptogenic zone” the area where seizures originate especially when non-invasive tests are inconclusive.
Another type of seizures include focal seizures, also known as “focal onset seizures” which begin on one side of the brain. They may cause changes in awareness, behavior, or sensation, or abnormal movements usually on one side of the body. Generalized seizures originate, or appear to originate, on both sides of the brain at the same time.
Understanding seizures is essential not only for medical professionals but also for the general public, as they affect one in every ten people in the United States at some point in their lives, and public misconceptions about the importance of seizure education can lead to inappropriate or harmful responses. Parents of children with seizures, in particular, should take an active role in educating themselves on how to recognize and respond appropriately including watching out for loss of consciousness, convulsions, or sudden confusion/staring and how long each seizure lasts since it may lead to brain damage. Basic understanding enables bystanders to provide lifesaving, safe, and calm aid, lowering injury risks and overcoming the discrimination associated with the condition.
Some events include
March 26th -Purple Day, which brings awareness about the condition as well as celebrates those with it
November National Epilepsy Awareness Month
International Epilepsy Day February 2nd.
About the Author
Tenzin Dhoundup (’27) is a Pre-Nursing Student concentrating in Health Sciences at Bunker Hill Community College.
References
Throughout much of human history, seizures were often cloaked in superstition and fear and were frequently treated as a form of demonic possession. However, Hippocrates argued that seizures were not caused by spirits or ghosts, but were instead a natural disease originating in the brain. He was the first to hypothesize that the root cause of epilepsy began in the brain and could be inherited.
Today, seizures are understood as medical events caused by a surge of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Because the brain governs all aspects of human function, these disruptions can present in a variety of ways, ranging from subtle changes in awareness to severe convulsions.
These experiences typically unfold in distinct phases, beginning with a prodromal period characterized by subtle mood shifts or headaches. This often gives way to the "aura"a brief, intense window of altered perception. This can lead into a tonic-clonic episode, involving loss of consciousness, muscle twitching, or convulsions. Afterward comes the post-ictal phase, where the person often feels confused or delirious.
Given the complexity and variability of these phases, accurate diagnosis is essential for effective management. Some neurologists confirm a diagnosis using an electroencephalography(EEG), which can be performed in both outpatient and inpatient settings for prolonged seizures. They may also use neuroimaging techniques, such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and blood tests to check for issues like abnormal glucose levels or infections; labs are crucial for neurology as they could explain causes. Hypoglycemia can lead to erratic electrical brain and metabolic failure, which often results in tonic-clonic. Once a diagnosis is made, neurologists may provide medication; one of the most common is Keppra, which works by abating the overactive brain cells that cause seizures.
However, some patients may develop drug-resistant epilepsy, also known as refractory epilepsy, which requires additional interventions. In such cases, surgical options maybe considered, such as Stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG). This procedure involves placing thin electrodes into the brain through small, robot-assisted skull openings to monitor brain activity, with the goal of identifying the exact “epileptogenic zone” the area where seizures originate especially when non-invasive tests are inconclusive.
Another type of seizures include focal seizures, also known as “focal onset seizures” which begin on one side of the brain. They may cause changes in awareness, behavior, or sensation, or abnormal movements usually on one side of the body. Generalized seizures originate, or appear to originate, on both sides of the brain at the same time.
Understanding seizures is essential not only for medical professionals but also for the general public, as they affect one in every ten people in the United States at some point in their lives, and public misconceptions about the importance of seizure education can lead to inappropriate or harmful responses. Parents of children with seizures, in particular, should take an active role in educating themselves on how to recognize and respond appropriately including watching out for loss of consciousness, convulsions, or sudden confusion/staring and how long each seizure lasts since it may lead to brain damage. Basic understanding enables bystanders to provide lifesaving, safe, and calm aid, lowering injury risks and overcoming the discrimination associated with the condition.
Some events include
March 26th -Purple Day, which brings awareness about the condition as well as celebrates those with it
November National Epilepsy Awareness Month
International Epilepsy Day February 2nd.
About the Author
Tenzin Dhoundup (’27) is a Pre-Nursing Student concentrating in Health Sciences at Bunker Hill Community College.
References
- Epilepsy Foundation. (n.d.). Seizure first aid. https://www.epilepsy.com/recognition/first-aid-resoures
- Epilepsy Foundation. (n.d.). Seizure medication list. https://www.epilepsy.com/tools-resources/seizure-medication-list
- Epilepsy Society. (2026, January 15). Genetics and epilepsy. https://epilepsysociety.org.uk/about-epilepsy/genetics-and-epilepsy#:~:text=As%20research%20 develops%2C%20we%20are,different%20epilepsies%20have%20been%20identified
- Professional, C. C. M. (2025, December 31). Stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/17457-seeg-test