Seizure

Seizure can also refer to the act of taking hold of property, for this meaning see Seizure (law)

A convulsion or seizure happens when the body muscles contract and relax rapidly and repeatedly, resulting in uncontrolled shaking.^[1] Because epileptic seizures typically include convulsions, the term convulsion is sometimes used as a synonym for seizure.^[1] However, not all epileptic seizures lead to convulsions, and not all convulsions are caused by epileptic seizures.^[1]

A seizure happens when the nerves in a person's brain act strangely. Nerves send information, partly through electrical signals. Usually, nerves in the brain (called neurons) do not fire at the same time. During a seizure, groups of nerves start firing together, too fast.^[2] This causes there to be too much disorganized electrical activity in the brain.

Most people think a person with a seizure will shake and twitch. Some will, but there are also other kinds of seizures.^[3]

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2} MedlinePlus Encyclopedia Seizures
2. ↑ Somjen, George G. (2004). Ions in the Brain Normal Function, Seizures, and Stroke. New York: Oxford University Press. p. 167. ISBN 9780198034599.
3. ↑ "Epilepsy". Fact Sheets. World Health Organization. October 2012. Retrieved January 24, 2013.