Most seizures do not cause brain damage and the brain usually recovers quickly after a seizure.
But there are a few situations where seizures can be more serious, and it’s important to understand them without feeling scared.
Most seizures are not dangerous to the brain
- A typical seizure is usually short, less than 2 minutes
- The brain recovers from these events
- 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, say 2-3 per week, for many years then there is a chance this will affect some abilities such as thinking, learning and memory
- Focal seizures may affect specific things, depending on where they start in the brain. An example may be word finding
- If the seizures last a long time
- 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.
This is why some people should have an epilepsy management plan
However, gaining good seizure control even after years of poor seizure control can improve thinking and memory function.
All in all, poorly controlled epilepsy, prolonged or repeated seizures of any type, affect quality of life, and also may take a long-term toll on brain function.
Seizures are real medical events, but they do not mean your brain is “broken”. Aiming for good seizure control is the best thing you can do to maintain and improve brain function.
More Information and Resources
Make an Online Telehealth Booking with a Epilepsy Nurse
Look at MemoRehab to improve your memory
Healthy Brain for some tips
Try the Wellbeing Neuro Course online
