Do seizures cause brain damage?

While previous brain damage can be the cause of a seizure, a seizure itself can damage the brain if it is severe. Brain damage can also come from a patient falling during a seizure, and--while more rare--consecutive seizures can trigger abnormal brain activity that damages the brain. read more

One way to assess whether seizures cause damage is to see if epileptic animals have fewer nerve cells in specific brain areas. Researchers count the cells using sophisticated computerized statistical analyses, a technique known as unbiased stereology. This technique presents significant technical challenges, however, because the brain (unlike other organs) contains irregularly shaped structures that have many different cell types. read more

Damage to the brain through brain lesions, traumatic brain injury or stroke can also cause seizures. Certain drugs can lead to a seizure, as can the sudden stopping of heavy drinking. Abnormal levels of sodium and glucose, which regulate activity in the brain, can be a cause of seizures. read more

Sometimes severe seizure can cause brain damage, but most seizures do not seem to have a detrimental effect on the brain. Epilepsy has many possible causes, from illness to brain damage to abnormal brain development. read more

One way to assess whether seizures cause damage is to see if epileptic animals have fewer nerve cells in specific brain areas. Researchers count the cells using sophisticated computerized statistical analyses, a technique known as unbiased stereology. read more