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Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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Convulsion - Seizure

Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

Seizures are caused by sudden, large discharges of electrical impulses from brain cells. A seizure may involve a wide variety of symptoms, depending on the part of the brain affected and the type of seizure.

What are the causes and risks of the injury?

Seizures may be caused by many conditions, diseases, injuries, and other factors. These may include conditions such as the following:

abnormalities in the blood vessels of the brain

atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries supplying the brain

bleeding into the brain, such as a subarachnoid hemorrhage

brain tumors

chromosomal abnormalities

congenital diseases or conditions

high blood pressure

pregnancy and problems associated with pregnancy

stroke

transient ischemic attack, which is also called a mini-stroke

Diseases also can be a factor in seizures, for example:

advanced liver disease

Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia

epilepsy, or a disease of the nervous system

hereditary diseases

infections involving the brain, including encephalitis, brain abscess, and bacterial meningitis

kidney failure, such as chronic renal failure

Injuries that may cause seizures include the following:

choking

head injury, such as a motor vehicle accident or sports injury

electrical injuries

injury during birth or in the uterus

poisonous insect bites or stings

Additional factors that may cause seizures include the following:

alcohol withdrawal

craniotomy, which is brain surgery

high fever, especially in young children

illegal drugs, such as cocaine

lead poisoning

overheating

withdrawal from some medicines, including those used to treat seizures

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