Etymology

• The Oxford English Dictionary states that "seize" is derived from the Old French words "saisir" or "seisir," which means to take possession or hold of. Merriam-Webster dates "seizure" back to the 15th century. According to Thesaurus.com, some synonyms of seizure are convulsion, breakdown and spasm.
  
  

Symptoms

• Some seizure symptoms according to the University of Maryland Medical Center are changes in consciousness, vision and emotion; muscle twitching and tightening; sudden loss of muscle control; and a bitter taste in the mouth. These can last as long as 15 minutes during a seizure episode.
  
  

Physical Causes

• According to the University of Maryland, birth injuries, genetic conditions and problems in development are some causes of seizures.
  
  

Body Chemistry

• Irregularities in the body's chemistry including diabetes, phenylketonuria (PKU), uremia, liver or kidney failure, and drug and alcohol use and withdrawals are also causes of seizures.
  
  

Epilepsy

• In epilepsy, a brain disorder causes its neurons to emit abnormal and unregulated electrical signals in the brain. This results in a seizure that affects the corresponding area of the body controlled by that part of the brain, according to Epilepsy.com.
  
  

Infections

• Severe infections and infections localized in the brain, as well as brain tumors are other causes of seizures.