Health Tip: What Causes Seizures?

(HealthDay News) -- A seizure occurs when electrical activity in the brain is abnormally high. Seizures often are characterized by shaking or twitching of the body, and possible loss of consciousness.

The University of Maryland Medical Center offers this list of potential causes:

• Epilepsy.
• A head injury or other trauma to the brain.
• An infection that affects the brain, including an abscess or meningitis.
• Brain tumor.
• Stroke.
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
• Illicit drug use (especially cocaine or stimulants).
• Alcohol withdrawal.