The human brain is the control centre of the body. It helps us think, move, feel, speak, remember, and make decisions. It works by sending tiny electrical signals through networks of brain cells called neurons.
The brain is made up of millions of these nerve cells called neurons. They send electrical messages that allow us to think, feel, move, and control how our body works. These signals are usually well organised and balanced. However, during a seizure, they become overactive and disrupted, which can affect how the brain and body function.
Regions of the brain
The brain is divided into two halves, left and right, called hemispheres. The right hemisphere controls the left side of the body and left hemisphere controls the right.
Each hemisphere has four lobes – frontal, parietal, temporal and occipital. Each part of the brain has a different role. Where a seizure starts can influence what it looks like and how it affects the person
Cerebrum
This is the largest part of the brain and includes both hemispheres, and all the lobes. It is the centre of intellect, memory, language and consciousness, receiving and interpreting sensory information and controlling movement.
Frontal Lobes
Are our behavioural and emotional control centre. They are involved in voluntary movement, planning, initiation, problem solving, memory, language, judgement, impulse control, and social and sexual behaviour.
Temporal Lobes
Play a large role in understanding language, speech, learning, memory, personality and behaviour.
Parietal Lobes
Are involved with touch, temperature and pain perception (sensation), awareness of the body and spatial awareness.
Occipital Lobes
Are primarily responsible for vision
Cerebellum
The cerebellum is responsible for co-ordination, and maintaining of posture, muscle tone, and balance.
Brainstem
Controls vital body functions such as breathing, swallowing, heart rate, blood pressure, consciousness, and whether you are awake or sleepy.
Do seizures damage the brain?
This is a no one-size-fits-all answer and the effects of seizures vary from person to person. The most commonly reported problem that we hear from people with epilepsy is memory difficulties. What is affected can depend on:
- The type of seizures and how often they happen
- For example, if someone has regular seizures for many years then there is a likelihood this will affect some abilities such as thinking, learning and memory.
- Focal seizures may affect specific functions, depending on where they start in the brain.
- If the seizures are severe or prolonged
- If someone has had prolonged seizures (>5mins or longer) this can have an impact.
- Existing brain injury or damage
- Seizure related head injuries
- There are physical risks associated with seizures.
All in all, poorly controlled epilepsy and repeated seizures of any type, affect quality of life, and also may take a long-term toll on brain function. Prolonged seizures are capable of causing injury to the brain. However, gaining good seizure control even after years of poor seizure control can improve thinking and memory function.
Aiming for good seizure control is the best thing you can do to maintain brain function.
Some tips for supporting brain health include:
- Getting enough sleep
- Managing stress
- Taking medication as prescribed
- Keeping a regular routine
- Staying physically and mentally active
- Knowing your seizure triggers and patterns
Small, consistent steps can make a meaningful difference.
If you want to know more about the brain and its functions, go to:
