Immune dysfunction or abnormal autoimmune activity can elicit a sudden onset of seizures in adults with no history of the illness. Studies put the risk as high as 4-fold in adults and 5-fold in children. Individuals with autoimmune-induced seizures typically do not respond to traditional seizure medications and treatments, and are often classified as having drug resistant epilepsy.
Others agree. Autoimmune factors may play a role in the onset of seizures in adults with no history and who do not respond to standard medication. Identifying whether an autoimmune condition is causing the seizures or drug resistant epilepsy is important since treatment with immunotherapies can dramatically impact chances of recovery. A growing number of autoantibodies are being identified and linked with seizures that have no known cause.
This occurs when the immune system produces antibodies meant to destroy a foreign substance i. The girl was treated with immunotherapy, including plasma exchange.
After 2 weeks of treatment, her symptoms had completely resolved. Researchers describe a complex case involving a year-old girl, who abruptly developed multiple neurologic and psychiatric symptoms.
In this book chapter, Dr. Nationwide study finds both mild and severe infections can increase risk of mental disorders in children and adolescents.. Prescriber Portal Login. Seizures and Convulsions. Autoimmune factors may play a bigger role in seizure disorders than previously suspected. In fact, a growing number of autoantibodies are being linked with idiopathic seizures.
Learn More About Testing. Symptoms Home. Obsessions and Compulsions. Motor and Vocal Tics. Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity. Dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease, high fever or illnesses or infections that hurt your brain.
Illegal drug use or withdrawal from alcohol or drug use can cause seizures as well. So, what are the signs that someone is having a seizure? Some people with seizures may have simple staring spells, while others have violent, uncontrollable shaking and loss of consciousness. Some people will see flashing lights, others may hallucinate. Some people may have strange sensations, such as tingling, smelling an odor that isn't really there, or emotional changes.
Most people who have a seizure for the first time will go to the emergency room. The doctor will do tests to rule out medical causes, such as a stroke. Treatment depends on the cause of your seizure.
For example, if a seizure was caused by fever, treatment will focus on bringing the fever down. Your doctor may send you home with some medicines to help you avoid having more seizures if there is reason to think you are at continued risk of seizures. You should get plenty of sleep and try to keep as regular a schedule as possible, and try to avoid too much stress. Most people with seizures can have a very active lifestyle. Plan ahead for the possible dangers of a certain activity.
Avoid any activity where loss of consciousness would be dangerous until it is clear that seizures are unlikely to occur again. It may be hard to tell if someone is having a seizure. Some seizures only cause a person to have staring spells. These may go unnoticed. Specific symptoms depend on which part of the brain is involved.
Symptoms occur suddenly and may include:. Symptoms may stop after a few seconds or minutes, or continue for up to 15 minutes. They rarely continue longer. Sometimes, no cause can be found. This is called idiopathic seizures. They are usually seen in children and young adults, but can occur at any age. There may be a family history of epilepsy or seizures. If seizures continue repeatedly after the underlying problem is treated, the condition is called epilepsy. If a baby or child has a seizure during a high fever, cool the child slowly with lukewarm water.
DO NOT place the child in a cold bath. Call your child's health care provider and ask what you should do next. Some individuals with treatment-resistant epilepsy also explore alternative treatments while looking to achieve seizure freedom, including participating in clinical drug trials.
The information contained herein is provided for general information only and does not offer medical advice or recommendations. Individuals should not rely on this information as a substitute for consultations with qualified health care professionals who are familiar with individual medical conditions and needs.
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