NEW HAVEN, Conn., April 23 (UPI) -- U.S. researchers said even small epileptic seizures can trigger widespread abnormal signals in brain networks leading to loss of consciousness.
Researchers at Yale University studied on patients with seizures in the temporal lobe, the most common form of epilepsy. They used a scanning technique called single photon emission computed tomography, or SPECT, to view changes in brain activity during seizures. They also analyzed videotapes of patients during seizures to determine how their behavior was related to imaging changes.
The researchers found that in patients who lost consciousness during seizures, there were abnormal signals scattered across brain images like a fireworks display. In contrast, patients who had seizures but did not lose consciousness had localized increases confined to the temporal lobe.
"We've known for a long time that the temporal lobe misfires during seizures," said Dr. Hal Blumenfeld, assistant professor of neurology and neurobiology at Yale School of Medicine, "but we were amazed to discover that the temporal lobe also causes the rest of the brain to malfunction. That's why patients lose consciousness."
"Loss of consciousness during seizures often causes serious motor vehicle accidents, injuries, and falls in patients with epilepsy," he added. "The hope is that we can interrupt the process and prevent unconsciousness."
