Symptom 10. Seizures – An Overlooked Indicator
Seizures, while not commonly linked with cerebrovascular diseases, can also serve as an important symptom. These are episodes characterized by a temporary, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain. Seizures can cause changes in behavior, movements, feelings, and levels of consciousness.
Although seizures can be associated with a variety of conditions, they can also result from a cerebrovascular event. If a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) disrupts the normal blood flow to the brain, it can lead to abnormal electrical activity, culminating in a seizure. The correlation between seizures and cerebrovascular disease is especially significant if the seizures are new, severe, or accompanied by other symptoms of cerebrovascular disease.
The presentation of a seizure can be diverse, ranging from a blank stare, uncontrollable jerking movements of the arms and legs, loss of consciousness, or even subtle, unnoticeable symptoms such as a sense of fear or déjà vu. As such, recognizing a seizure, especially in the absence of a prior seizure disorder, can be a crucial step towards identifying a possible cerebrovascular event.
A seizure occurring due to a cerebrovascular event is a medical emergency. It requires immediate medical attention to prevent further brain damage and to manage the underlying cause effectively. The swift recognition and response to such a symptom can significantly impact the prognosis and recovery process. (10)
