The person remains conscious. Things that do not exist are seen, heard, or sensed. A general seizure may follow. This is caused by electrical disturbances, in the nerve cells, in a portion of the brain. Electroencephalographic studies reveal a direct relationship between changes in electrical brain potentials and the occurrence of seizures.
Epilepsy is the most common form of seizures, also called convulsions or fits.
Epilepsy can be caused by injury to the head, neck, or spinal cord, especially before or during birth. High fevers during early childhood or infectious diseases can also cause it. Heredity can be involved. Oxygen deprivation at birth or a later head injury may be causal factors. A variety of factors may trigger the onset of a seizure.