A seizure is the physical findings or changes in behavior that occur after an episode of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. The term "seizure" is often used interchangeably with "convulsion." Convulsions occur when a person's body shakes rapidly and uncontrollably. During convulsions, the person's muscles contract and relax repeatedly. There are many different types of seizures. Some have mild symptoms without shaking.

Causes
Seizures of all types are caused by disorganized and sudden electrical activity in the brain. Causes of seizures can include: abnormal levels of sodium or glucose in the blood, brain infection, including meningitis, brain injury that occurs to the baby during labor or childbirth, brain problems that occur before birth (congenital brain defects), brain tumor (rare), drug abuse, electric shock, Epilepsy, fever (particularly in young children), head injury, heart disease, heat illness (heat intolerance), high fever, henylketonuria (PKU), which can cause seizures in infants, poisoning, cocaine, amphetamines, Stroke.

Home Care
Most seizures stop by themselves. But during a seizure, the person can be hurt or injured. When a seizure occurs, the main goal is to protect the person from injury:
-- Try to prevent a fall. Lay the person on the ground in a safe area. Clear the area of furniture or other sharp objects.
-- Cushion the person's head.
-- Loosen tight clothing, especially around the neck.
-- Turn the person on their side. If vomiting occurs, this helps make sure that the vomit is not inhaled into the lungs.
-- Look for a medical ID bracelet with seizure instructions.
-- Stay with the person until he or she recovers, or until professional medical help arrives.

Things friends and family members should not do:
-- Do not restrain (try to hold down) the person.
-- Do not place anything between the person's teeth during a seizure (including your fingers).
-- Do not move the person unless they are in danger or near something hazardous.
-- Do not try to make the person stop convulsing. They have no control over the seizure and are not aware of what is happening at the time.
-- Do not give the person anything by mouth until the convulsions have stopped and the person is fully awake and alert.
-- Do not start CPR unless the seizure has clearly stopped and the person is not breathing or has no pulse.