April 28, 2026, 2:00 pm | Read time: 8 minutes
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causes a temporary dysfunction of the brain. The aftermath of a seizure varies for each individual and also depends on its severity. FITBOOK outlines types of epilepsy and describes the consequences of seizures.
What Is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a chronic brain disorder characterized by a persistent tendency for epileptic seizures. These involve sudden, uncontrolled electrical discharges from nerve cells in the brain.
The manifestation of such a seizure can vary greatly: Some affected individuals briefly lose consciousness or appear absent, while others experience uncontrolled twitching of individual muscles or the entire body. In some cases, it leads to falls, injuries, or tongue biting.
Seizures can occur multiple times and lead to movement, consciousness, and perception disorders. Typically, they last no longer than two minutes and can occur even without a diagnosed epilepsy. Between seizures, affected individuals have no complaints.
“Storm in the Brain”
The colloquial term “storm in the brain” is often used to describe an epileptic seizure. It refers to a sudden, abnormal, and excessively synchronous electrical activity of nerve cells in the brain.
While nerve cells usually communicate in finely tuned patterns, these processes temporarily fall out of balance during a seizure. Depending on which brain region is affected, symptoms can vary—from brief lapses in consciousness to pronounced convulsions.1
Current Number of People Affected
Estimates suggest the prevalence of epilepsy in Europe is about 3 to 8 cases per 1,000 people, which corresponds to around 0.3 to 0.8 percent of the population. In Germany, approximately 500,000 people are affected.2
What Causes Epilepsy?
The disorder can have various causes. Theoretically, anyone can experience an epileptic seizure under certain conditions or circumstances. Triggers for seizures can include acute brain disorders (such as tumors or a stroke), certain medications, low blood sugar, or sleep deprivation. Drug or alcohol withdrawal can also be potential triggers for an epileptic seizure. The following distinctions are possible:
Unprovoked Seizure
If the individual has epilepsy, seizures usually occur unpredictably. In this case, they are referred to as unprovoked seizures, as no immediate trigger is identifiable.
Provoked Seizure
A so-called provoked seizure is a reaction of the body to certain triggering factors, also known as “triggers.” In many cases, these triggers can be identified and avoided.
It is also important to note: Individual provoked seizures are not synonymous with epilepsy. They can occur under certain circumstances even in otherwise healthy individuals and are then referred to as “occasional seizures.”3
Possible causes of an epileptic seizure:
- Stroke
- Oxygen deficiency
- Alcohol and drugs (such as ecstasy or amphetamines)
- Genetic predisposition
- Certain medications
- Extreme psychological and physical stress
- Brain injuries
- Encephalitis
- Metabolic disorders
Also of interest: Angelman Syndrome – Causes, Symptoms, and Progression
Types of Epilepsy
From the causes, the most common types of epilepsy can be determined:
Genetic Epilepsy
It is also referred to as idiopathic epilepsy and is genetically predisposed in affected individuals. In these seizures, even both hemispheres of the brain are affected.
Structural Epilepsy
Structural epilepsy is known as symptomatic epilepsy. Its cause is attributed to a disease or brain injury. Typically, seizures are triggered in a limited area of the brain.
Epilepsy with Unknown Cause
This type is referred to as cryptogenic epilepsy. Here, no cause for the seizures can be found.4
How Does an Epileptic Seizure Occur?
When epilepsy is often described as a “storm in the brain,” epileptic seizures themselves can be vividly compared to “lightning strikes”: They usually occur suddenly and are difficult to predict in their exact timing. This unpredictability can be very distressing for those affected. However, with the help of a seizure calendar and examinations such as EEG (brain wave curve), the individual seizure risk can be better assessed.
Duration of a Seizure
Typically, an epileptic seizure lasts only a few seconds to two minutes. During this time, the person may be limited or unresponsive. Short lapses in consciousness are also referred to as “absences” and can occur multiple times a day, depending on the form of epilepsy.
“Status Epilepticus”
If a seizure lasts longer than five minutes, it is considered a medical emergency that must be quickly treated with appropriate medication. This is referred to as “status epilepticus.”
Types and Symptoms of Epileptic Seizures
Convulsions are a common symptom of an epileptic seizure. They can significantly affect the sensations, movements, and consciousness of the affected person. The symptoms that occur depend on which area of the brain is affected.
Fundamentally, two types of seizures are distinguished: focal and generalized seizures. In a generalized seizure, both hemispheres of the brain are affected from the start. In a focal seizure, however, the disturbance originates from a specific area in one hemisphere.
It is important to note: A single seizure does not necessarily mean epilepsy is present. Epilepsy is generally diagnosed only with repeated, unprovoked seizures.
Symptoms of a Focal Seizure
During a focal seizure, the affected person may lose control over behaviors such as lip licking, smacking, or fidgeting. Muscle twitching, muscle weakness, or limb cramps may also occur. Other symptoms include possible numbness, tingling, or flashes of light caused by altered brain activity.
The person may also perceive unusual sounds or smells or experience lapses in speech or memory. Additionally, affected individuals may develop sweating, salivation, nausea, and rapid heartbeat. Often, the person is unaware afterward that they had a seizure.
Symptoms of a Generalized Seizure
Generalized seizures can manifest differently: They may involve brief moments where the person “zones out.” In this case, they are referred to as absences, or brief lapses in consciousness.
Other generalized seizures involve sudden loss of consciousness, where the affected individuals may fall. This often leads to a stiffening of the entire body, followed by rhythmic twitching of the arms and legs.
Symptoms of a Tonic-Clonic Seizure
One of the most common types of seizures is the so-called tonic-clonic seizure. It begins with a sudden muscle tension, causing the body to become rigid (tonic phase). This is followed by the clonic phase, where rhythmic twitching occurs due to alternating muscle contraction and relaxation.
During the seizure, there may be a loss of consciousness. Affected individuals may bite their tongue or cheeks or lose urine, as control over the body is limited. After the seizure, many affected individuals are exhausted, dazed, or confused.
What Are the Consequences of an Epileptic Seizure?
Typically, epileptic seizures do not lead to permanent brain damage or intellectual disabilities—unlike a so-called status epilepticus, which, if not treated promptly, can lead to permanent brain damage and, in the worst case, death.5
The aftermath of a seizure is individual and also depends on its severity. Some people can quickly recover from a seizure and resume their activities as if nothing happened. Others struggle with confusion, exhaustion, or memory gaps related to the moments of the seizure.
Especially after severe seizures, affected individuals may be confused and need time to recover. During this phase, speech disorders, depression, forgetfulness, or even temporary paralysis may occur. The fear of further seizures can also be psychologically burdensome and increase the risk of depression.6
High Risk of Injury
Another risk is the high likelihood of injury associated with seizures. Affected individuals can sustain bruises in addition to fall injuries. In some cases, people suffering from severe seizures must learn to adjust their daily lives and lifestyles. For example, they may not be able to pursue certain professions or drive a car. Leisure activities should also always be conducted with a companion.7
How to Recognize an Epileptic Seizure and Provide Proper Help
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How Is the Disorder Diagnosed?
An epilepsy diagnosis is preceded by a medical history and physical examination. There are various methods that can help identify the disorder. For example, an electroencephalogram (EEG) can measure brain waves and provide clues to increased seizure susceptibility. It is also possible to examine neurological changes in the brain using methods such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
A blood test can help identify possible causes of a seizure or epilepsy. In some cases, a genetic test can also be conducted to determine if hereditary causes are present.
Treatment Options
If it is a first seizure, it is usually brief and stops on its own. In such situations, it is not necessary to start medication therapy. This is only initiated when seizures become frequent and epilepsy is diagnosed in the affected individual. Then, so-called “antiepileptic drugs” are used to suppress seizures in the brain. In rare cases, surgery may be performed. However, this is only possible if the affected brain area is a narrow region that does not fulfill vital functions.8