Non Epileptic Seizures
Seizures are a symptom of epilepsy, but not all seizures are neurological in origin. Seizures can result from low blood sugar, infection, fever, severe head injury, and lack of oxygen, without a person having epilepsy. Seizures may involve disturbances in both mental and physical areas of the body. Seizures that result in motor disturbances are labeled as convulsions.
Epilepsy, as stated above, is the underlying tendency of one or more areas of the brain to produce sudden bursts of electrical energy that disrupt other brain functions. A neurological seizure is the body’s reaction to abnormal electrical outbursts within the brain. By definition, two or more unprovoked seizures usually indicate epilepsy.
The two major categories of non-epileptic seizures:
- Physiological Seizures are caused by a variety of conditions that can be the result of a sudden change of blood supply, sugar or oxygen in the brain. These include changes in heart rhythm, sudden drops in blood pressure or hypoglycemia.
- Physchogenic Seizures are caused by stressful psychological experiences of emotional trauma, and often indicate the body is under excessive stress. Stressful events that may result in this type of seizure include: sexual or physical abuse, divorce, or death of a loved one.
Alcohol Withdrawal Seizures & Alcoholics with Epilepsy
Alcohol consumption can seriously affect people with epilepsy. Small alcohol consumption is not associated with increased seizure activity. However, binge drinking and alcohol withdrawal may cause seizures. Most people with epilepsy are advised to abstain from alcohol and are less likely than the general population to use or abuse alcohol. Seizure medication is known to lower alcohol tolerance and increase the rate of intoxication. Long standing alcohol abuse can increase a person’s risk of developing epilepsy.Reprinted in part from The Epilepsy Foundation
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