Seizures While Sleeping

Seizures occur when there is an abnormal electrical activity in the brain. These are episodes of disturbance in the transmission of the electrical impulses that give rise to changes in one's behavior. Spasms, changes in sensory sensations, changes in emotions, jerky movements or convulsions are some of the common symptoms of seizures. In medical terminology, the condition characterized by recurrent episodes of seizures is referred to as epilepsy. While many people suffer from convulsions due to an abnormal brain activity, a person having a seizure may or may not exhibit sudden jerky movements always. The symptoms one displays during a seizure will vary depending on the part of the brain that is involved. Seizures could be generalized or partial. While generalized seizures occur when there is an abnormal electrical activity in both sides of the brain, partial seizures occur when just a part of the brain is involved in the abnormal electrical activity. While some people might have seizures while they are awake, some might even suffer from seizures while sleeping. In this article, we will look into the causes, symptoms and treatment of nocturnal seizures.

Nocturnal Seizures

Causes and Symptoms

When a person suffers from seizure during his/her sleep, such a person is said to suffer from nocturnal seizures. Various changes take place in the brain waves during the transition from being wakeful to drowsy and then falling into light sleep, deep sleep and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Generally such seizures occur when a person has just fallen asleep or just before the person is about to wake up. Seizures occur predominantly during the light sleep cycle. This condition could affect children as well as adults. Symptoms such as abnormal deep breathing and stiffening of limbs might be experienced. One might also suffer from jerky movements or spasms and fall back into slumber. Many a time, the sufferer might not even remember anything about the seizure. As a result, he/she might wake up with a headache and feel groggy or drowsy during the day.

In children, seizures might occur due to high fever. Such seizures are referred to as febrile seizures. These might be associated with infections of the brain. Head trauma, bleeding within the brain, cerebral palsy or metabolic disorders could also be responsible for such seizures. Neonatal seizures that occur within 28 days of birth might be attributed to birth defects. Hydrocephalus or accumulation of fluid in the brain could be responsible for seizures in infants. The symptoms might include repetitive motions such as blinking, lip smacking, fluttering the eyelids, strange eyeball movements, repetitive or jerky movements of hands and feet. Nocturnal seizures in babies might be a side effect of a vaccine. Nocturnal seizures in adults could also be associated with disorders such as phenylketonuria, Alzheimer's disease or Creutzfeld-Jacob disease. Brain injury, stroke, fluid buildup in the brain or presence of brain tumors could also be responsible for abnormal brain activity. Lack of sleep, drug abuse, metabolic disorders, electrolyte disturbance, stress, smoking or alcoholism are also some of the common causes of seizures in adults.

Treatment

Certain diagnostic tests or imaging procedures help doctors determine if an underlying condition is behind the occurrence of seizures during sleep. Once the underlying condition is under control, the seizures might stop. Use of epilepsy medication along with dietary or lifestyle-related changes, will surely prove beneficial in the treatment of nocturnal seizures. Since stress or a lack of sleep often trigger such attacks, one must stay relaxed and try to establish a normal sleeping pattern. Certain measures must be taken to ensure the safety of those who suffer from nocturnal seizures. At times, the sufferer might even fall off from the bed, so, make sure that the bed is low lying. Safety mats must be placed next to the bed and furniture must not be placed next to the bed.

Since night terrors or sleep apnea are confused with nocturnal seizures, doctors don't rely solely on the analysis of symptoms. Diagnostic tests are conducted to formulate the correct diagnosis. A timely diagnosis and treatment can certainly help in managing this condition. So, if anyone in your family suffers from seizures at night, consult a doctor soon.