Can You Die from a Seizure?

Seizure : An Overview

Our brain has numerous cells that perform several tasks, such as receiving, creating, or sending electrical impulses or signals to various parts of the body. These impulses are the reason humans respond or react in a certain way. Sometimes, numerous neurons in our brains misfire due to unknown or certain health conditions. This causes sudden electrical disturbances in our brain, and hence, we get seizures.

Symptoms

• Involuntary body jerks

• Unconsciousness

• Temporary confusion

• Loss of awareness

• Body shakes/jerks for 30 seconds or 2-5 mins

Types of Seizures

Seizures can be broadly divided into the following categories —

• Focal seizures:

These begin in a definite area of the brain and may result in physical and emotional effects and hallucinations.

• Generalised seizures:

Occur when nerve cells on both sides of the brain malfunction. Such seizures can cause muscle spasms, loss of consciousness, or falling.

Causes

• Head stroke

• Injury

• Neurocysticercosis

• Tumour

• Fever

Besides these, there are many factors that could cause seizures. Talking about seizures, epilepsy is one word that is commonly associated with seizures. Many people may wonder: Is epilepsy and seizure the same? The answer is No. A seizure occurs when there's unusual electrical activity in the brain, and it can be caused by many specific reasons. Epilepsy happens for no clear reason. It is a long-term chronic disorder where more than one or two seizures occur frequently.

Can Seizures Cause Death?

• Seizures can cause death, but dying from a seizure is rare.

• Usually, seizure death happens due to external factors like drowning, falling, or choking.

• SUDEP (i.e., Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy) occurs when a person dies during or shortly after a seizure without any other known cause.

• SUDEP is a rare occurrence in approximately 1.16 out of every 1,000 people with epilepsy.

How to Reduce the Risk of Seizures?

• Avoid flashing lights that trigger seizures

• Avoid alcohol

• Get plenty of sleep

• Take anti-seizure medications as prescribed by your doctor