Seizure Disorders

The seizure disorders are medical conditions that are characterized by sudden, abnormal electrical activity of the brain, which can lead to attacks, cramps of the muscles, or loss of consciousness. The most common type is epilepsy, in which individuals suffer recurrent, spontaneous seizures that may interfere with day-to-day living and sometimes prove hazardous. Other particular types include absence seizures, focal seizures, infantile spasms, teenage myoclonic epilepsy, and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Seizures are classified as generalized – affecting the whole brain – or focal, only an area is involved. Treatment ranges from anti-seizure drugs to dietary methods like ketogenic diet, surgical option, and implantable devices like vagus nerve stimulation or responsive neurostimulators. Healthy lifestyle practices like having sufficient sleep, proper diet, avoiding triggers and stress management also play a role in improved seizure control. This session identifies severe impact seizure disorders can have and the many pathways to managing them effectively.