In epilepsy cases, nerve cells fire as a unified group sending electrical impulses at 500 times a second, outward from a single point in the brain. The type of seizures experienced depend upon the part of the brain where the abnormal electrical discharges arise and the severity of the seizures depend on how localized these discharges are. Excessively rough handling or shaking of infants. Certain drugs or toxic substances that are damaging to the brain's nerve cells being administered in large doses. Interruption of blood flow to the brain caused by tumors or cardiovascular problems.
Seizures range from the unrecognizable to the more obvious.
The most common types involve loss of consciousness coupled with feelings of uncertainty, fear, physical and mental exhaustion, confusion and memory loss. This involves a change in body temperature, a sense of anxiety or tension, and in some cases the illusion of a musical sound, a strange taste or a particular odor. An aura can also occur without being followed by a seizure. This phenomenon usually occurs at night. Consecutive seizures without recovery from unconsciousness between attacks.