Underlying Mechanisms
Seizures are considered a defining characteristic of epilepsy, but not all seizures indicate that a patient is epileptic. Unprovoked epileptic seizures indicate that there is no underlying acute injury to the brain tissue that is causing the seizures. This condition distinguishes epileptic seizures from those caused by head trauma or alcohol overdose.
Multiple underlying mechanisms may be responsible for epileptic seizures. All proposed mechanisms serve to explain neuronal hyperexcitability. Increased action of the excitatory chemicals and decreased action of the inhibitory chemicals can counteract the neuronal circuit regulation. Some genetic mutations can result in abnormal channels, which are responsible for sustaining the ion balance across membranes. Signal transmission through such dysfunctional neural membranes can result in seizure attacks that disrupt normal brain function.
