Seizure disorders occur when the electrical activity in the brain goes haywire for a short period of time. Electrical signals pass between nerves and the brain to control such functions as respiration, movement, and sight. An abnormal electrical impulse or an interruption in an impulse can result in a seizure. Chronic seizures are often referred to as epilepsy. It should be noted that a child may have the word ‘seizure’ listed in their pre-adoptive medical report, without necessarily having the chronic form of seizures called epilepsy. A single or small number of seizures may result from an illness, high fever, head injury, or defect in the nervous system. Seizures can present with different symptoms ranging from uncontrollable movements to a simple temporary inattentiveness. A major seizure will cause a loss of consciousness and a loss of bladder control.
