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Seizures
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Brain Nerves

Seizures

Seizures are brief episodes of abnormal electrical activity in the brain; most last under two minutes and are not harmful, but prolonged seizures require emergency care.

Overview

Seizures are symptoms of a brain problem caused by sudden, abnormal electrical activity in the brain. While many people associate seizures with convulsions—rapid, uncontrollable shaking—not all seizures produce convulsive movements. The condition can arise from a variety of triggers and, when recurrent due to an underlying brain disorder, is termed epilepsy.

Types of Seizures

  • Focal seizures (also called partial seizures) – occur in just one part of the brain.
  • Generalized seizures – result from abnormal activity on both sides of the brain.

Duration & Emergency Considerations

Most seizures last from 30 seconds to 2 minutes and do not cause lasting harm. However, it becomes a medical emergency when:

  • The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, or
  • A person experiences multiple seizures without regaining consciousness between them.

Causes & Risk Factors

Seizures can be triggered by a range of factors, including:

  • Medicines
  • High fevers
  • Head injuries
  • Certain diseases

Epilepsy

When a person experiences recurring seizures due to an underlying brain disorder, the condition is diagnosed as epilepsy.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all seizures involve convulsions or rapid, uncontrollable shaking. Seizures can manifest in various ways, including staring spells, confusion, sudden falls, or brief periods of unresponsiveness. The type of seizure depends on which part of the brain is affected.
seizure becomes a medical emergency if it lasts longer than 5 minutes, or if a person experiences multiple seizures without regaining consciousness between them. In these situations, it's crucial to call for emergency medical assistance immediately.
If you witness someone having a seizure, stay calm. Help the person lie down on the floor, turn them gently onto one side to prevent choking, and clear the area around them of any hard or sharp objects. Loosen anything tight around their neck. Do not try to hold them down or put anything in their mouth. Stay with them until the seizure ends and they are fully conscious.
seizure is a single episode of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Epilepsy is a condition characterized by recurrent seizures due to an underlying brain disorder. While anyone can have a single seizure due to triggers like high fever or head injury, a diagnosis of epilepsy means there's a predisposition to having unprovoked seizures.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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