Head injuries can result in a range of effects on brain function, including the occurrence of seizures. This article explores the connection between head trauma and seizures, explaining how an impact to the head can disrupt the brain’s normal electrical activity. It also provides information on how to respond if a seizure occurs and discusses long-term implications.
The Link Between Head Trauma and Seizures
A physical impact to the head can lead to a seizure. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) involve an external force affecting the brain. This force can cause the brain to move rapidly within the skull, disrupting the normal function of brain cells and their electrical signals. Even without visible brain damage on scans, a head injury can alter brain cell function for hours, days, or weeks. This physical disruption can initiate an uncontrolled electrical disturbance that manifests as a seizure.
Understanding Seizures Caused by Head Injury
A seizure occurs when there is a sudden, unregulated electrical disturbance within the brain. This abnormal activity interrupts the typical communication between neurons. Seizures after a head injury are categorized by timing: immediate (within 24 hours) and early (within the first week).
Physiological changes within the brain after an injury contribute to these electrical disturbances. These changes can include bleeding, bruising, or swelling. Such alterations can lead to changes in the brain’s chemical environment, affecting how brain cells function and potentially making them more prone to abnormal electrical discharges. Damage to brain cells or the formation of scar tissue can also create areas of irritation that trigger seizures.
Recognizing and Responding to Post-Traumatic Seizures
Recognizing the signs of a seizure after a head injury is important. Symptoms can vary widely, from subtle changes to dramatic physical manifestations. Common signs include unusual movements (e.g., stiffening or jerking), unresponsiveness, staring, repetitive movements (e.g., chewing or lip smacking), changes in awareness, sudden dizziness, or difficulty speaking or understanding others.
If someone experiences a seizure after a head injury, ensuring their safety is paramount. Move any objects away from the person to prevent injury during convulsions. Turn the person gently onto their side, especially if they vomit, to keep their airway clear. Do not attempt to restrain their movements or place anything in their mouth, as this can cause harm. Most seizures are brief. If a seizure lasts longer than three minutes, or if the person does not return to their normal state within 20 minutes, seek immediate medical attention by calling emergency services.
Long-Term Implications: Epilepsy Risk
While not all head injuries lead to chronic seizure conditions, a significant head injury can increase the risk of developing post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE). PTE is a condition characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures that occur more than a week after the initial brain injury. The severity of the traumatic brain injury is a notable factor influencing this risk; more severe injuries are associated with a higher likelihood of developing PTE. For instance, the cumulative incidence of epilepsy after severe TBI can be as high as 25% at five years and 32% at fifteen years.
Factors that increase the risk of PTE include early seizures within the first week after injury, bleeding within the brain, bruising of the brain tissue, or penetrating head injuries. The risk can extend for many years after the initial severe injury. Medical professionals monitor individuals with head injuries for these risks, as early intervention can help manage the condition.