Seizure disorder

Article By:

Ojemann, Linda Moretti Regional Epilepsy Center, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.

Holmes, Mark D. Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.

Last reviewed:July 2022

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.613450

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• Seizure disorders, published June 2020:Download PDF Get Adobe Acrobat Reader
• Seizure disorders, published November 2012:Download PDF Get Adobe Acrobat Reader

A neurological condition in which there are recurrent seizures. Seizure disorders result from periodic disturbances to the electrical (nerve cell) activity of the brain, leading to temporary and uncontrolled brain dysfunction. Seizure conditions are often known as epileptic seizures (epilepsy); however, the isolated occurrence of a seizure is not designated as epilepsy. A seizure (ictus) is an event in which there is a sudden alteration in function of nerve cells, most commonly involving excessive electrical activity of the cells. This sudden change in nerve cell function is usually relatively brief, lasting seconds to minutes. Soon after a seizure, the brain may function quite normally. The manifestation of a seizure is variable, depending on which area of the brain is involved (Fig. 1). To learn more about the diagnosis and treatment of seizure disorders and especially epilepsy, see the "Epilepsy" article. See also: Brain; Epilepsy; Nerve; Nervous system (vertebrate); Nervous system disorders; Neurobiology

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