In some instances, a seizure may be the first sign that a brain tumor exists. For others who have a brain tumor removed, seizures may result after treatment. Maternal illness during pregnancy Injury or illness to an expectant mother can affect the developing brain in the fetus during pregnancy. Researchers are continually examining the role of heredity and genetics in the development of seizure disorders. Generalized seizures manifest as episodes of involuntary twitching of the extremities, uncontrolled head movement, frothing at the mouth, rapid eye movement, usually followed by a period of unconsciousness.
Seizures are partial when the abnormal electrical activity is limited to one part of the brain.
This is characterized by behavior, such as buttoning or unbuttoning a shirt. Such behavior, however, is unconscious, may be repetitive, and is usually not remembered. This information can be crucial in the diagnosis of the epilepsy type. Usually, a neurologist would look into a case of epilepsy, although general physicians can also treat a person with seizures. An EEG can show changes in the electrical activity of the brain in someone with epilepsy.