What are seizures primarily caused by?

Seizures are primarily caused by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain. The brain communicates and processes information through electrical signals, and when there is a disruption in the normal electrical activity, it can lead to a seizure. This disruption may arise from various factors, such as genetic predisposition, brain injury, or metabolic imbalances, which result in synchronous firing of neurons.

In typical brain function, neurons establish a balanced pattern of electrical activity to process signals appropriately. During a seizure, this balance is disturbed, causing neurons to fire excessively and inappropriately, which leads to the characteristic physical manifestations of seizures, including convulsions, altered consciousness, or unusual sensations. Understanding this underlying mechanism is crucial for diagnosing and treating seizure disorders effectively.