Anfalls

In German medical terminology, Anfälle denotes seizures or attack-like episodes, resulting from abnormal electrical activity in the brain. They are transient events that can affect motor, sensory, or autonomic functions and may involve a loss of consciousness. Anfalls occur most commonly in epilepsy but can be triggered by fever, brain injury, metabolic disturbances, infections, or withdrawal from substances.

Seizures are broadly classified into focal (partial) and generalized types. Focal seizures begin in a specific area of the brain and may stay localized or spread to involve additional regions; they can be without impairment of awareness (focal aware) or with impaired awareness (focal impaired awareness). Generalized seizures involve both hemispheres from onset and include subtypes such as generalized tonic-clonic (convulsive), absence (brief lapses of consciousness), and other forms like myoclonic or atonic seizures. Some focal seizures may evolve into secondary generalized seizures.

Causes and risk factors include epilepsy, structural brain disorders (such as lesions or tumors), strokes, infections (for example meningitis), head trauma, metabolic disturbances (glucose, electrolyte imbalances), and withdrawal from alcohol or sedatives. Fever-induced seizures can occur in young children but are not always a sign of epilepsy. Triggers may include sleep deprivation, stress, flashing lights, or certain medications.

Diagnosis relies on clinical history and witness accounts, neurologic examination, electroencephalography (EEG), and neuroimaging (MRI/CT) to identify underlying causes. Blood tests may assess metabolic factors.

Treatment aims to prevent seizures and injuries. Acute management of a seizure focuses on safety and timing; prolonged seizures require emergency medical care. Long-term management commonly uses antiseizure medications, with choices tailored to seizure type and patient factors. In some cases, options such as surgery, neurostimulation, or dietary therapies may be considered.