HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Can Seizures Cause Your Brain To Die?

default
Posted on Mon, 14 Jul 2014
Question: Can seizures cause your brain to die
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (43 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Yes it can...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for using healthcare magic.

Among variety of complication of seizure there are life threatening complication which can cause death of brain as well as individual are-

1. Status epilepticus-
This condition occurs when there is continuous seizure activity lasting more than five minutes, or if there is frequent seizures and in between patient not able to gain consciousness. People with status epilepticus have definite risk of permanent brain damage and death.

2. Sudden unexplained death in epilepsy (SUDEP)-
People with epilepsy also have a small risk of sudden death which can not be explained by other factors. The cause is unknown, but it is suspected that it may occur due to heart or respiratory conditions.

SUDEP is more common in patients have have frequent generalized tonic-clonic seizures or seizures which are not controlled by medicines. It is estimated that about 2 to 18 percent of people with seizure disorder die of SUDEP.

These are the conditions which may cause death of individual but death of brain is not limited to these two conditions only.

It has been said that every seizure activity causes death of some cells of brain and over a period of time the cumulative effect of such activity seriously limits patients ability to perform his duties. It is recommended that seizure should be controlled as soon as possible whatever is required.


'Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help".
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2000

Answered : 3355 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Can Seizures Cause Your Brain To Die?

Brief Answer: Yes it can... Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for using healthcare magic. Among variety of complication of seizure there are life threatening complication which can cause death of brain as well as individual are- 1. Status epilepticus- This condition occurs when there is continuous seizure activity lasting more than five minutes, or if there is frequent seizures and in between patient not able to gain consciousness. People with status epilepticus have definite risk of permanent brain damage and death. 2. Sudden unexplained death in epilepsy (SUDEP)- People with epilepsy also have a small risk of sudden death which can not be explained by other factors. The cause is unknown, but it is suspected that it may occur due to heart or respiratory conditions. SUDEP is more common in patients have have frequent generalized tonic-clonic seizures or seizures which are not controlled by medicines. It is estimated that about 2 to 18 percent of people with seizure disorder die of SUDEP. These are the conditions which may cause death of individual but death of brain is not limited to these two conditions only. It has been said that every seizure activity causes death of some cells of brain and over a period of time the cumulative effect of such activity seriously limits patients ability to perform his duties. It is recommended that seizure should be controlled as soon as possible whatever is required. 'Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help". Thanks