A seizure is a symptom of an abnormal brain function. Seizures are divided into several classifications, which include grand mal, petit mal and partial. Common symptoms include a loss of consciousness, changes in emotion, changes in vision and changes in sensation, all of which vary depending on the type of seizure.
Genetics
The Epilepsy Foundation explains that some types of epilepsy, which is a collection of disorders resulting in seizures, may run in families because of genetic mutations. The risk of suffering seizures due to genetics is fairly low--4 to 8 percent, according to the Epilepsy Foundation. The organization adds that most parents with epilepsy do not pass the disorder on to their children.
Head Trauma
Injuries to the brain, such as a stroke or other head injury, can damage the tissues of the brain and cause them to become abnormally excited, resulting in a seizure. The Epilepsy Foundation says seizures related to head injury are most likely to occur with an open or penetrating wound, although they can occur with a closed injury as well. In most cases, the seizures do not begin until three months after a person experiences the head trauma, but this time frame can vary.
Temporary Conditions
For some people, seizures are a temporary condition. Some of the most common causes include fever, withdrawal from illicit drugs or alcohol and irregular levels of blood sugar. Seizures caused by fever, known as febrile seizures, are most often seen in infants and children, and result from a sudden spike in a child's body temperature.
Damage in Utero and Birth
Seizures may also result from birth trauma. If a newborn suffers a lack of oxygen during birth, the electrical system in his brain can be damaged. In other instances, the baby may experience brain-related developmental problems before birth, be subjected to lead poisoning in utero or develop a brain tumor before he is born. All of these can result in seizures.
