Understanding Epilepsy Seizures in Cats: Causes & Treatments

Understanding what causes Seizures in cats, as unusual as these words sound, the meaning behind them is profound. Seizures are associated with the nervous system or, in simpler terms- the brain and its abnormal electrical activity. Our brain, or for that matter, brain in general, is a unique system that works on the principle of electrical conductivity and waves. These electrical impulses usually travel through the neurons or nerves via various ganglions or nodes through the spinal cord.

Imagine a huge banyan tree with various branches sprouting off of it. Yep, our nervous system comprises the stem—the spinal cord encompassing various ganglions and nerves—and the root—the brain and various branches providing electrical impulses to and from the brain, i.e., the efferent and afferent nerves. Returning to seizures in cats, seizures are uncontrolled electrical signals or electrical disturbances in the brain that cause havoc or disturbance in the normal transmission of impulses.

In other words, the brain signals get messed up during traffic hours, causing traffic jams or hazardous rash driving by the nerves in the body!

What Causes Seizures In Cats

A seizure occurs in cats when a collection of brain cells communicate simultaneously, causing chaos akin to traffic congestion. Because their brain is overloaded, the cat may twitch, shake, or act confused. To understand more about what causes seizures in cats and the types of seizures they may experience, let's explore a few common triggers.

1. Toxins and poisons ingestion, including floor cleaners, insecticides, pesticides, rat-kill poisons, etc.
2. Disease of the kidneys, such as Kidney failure/ CKD/AKI
3. Liver illness – The liver detoxifies. Any disturbances in the liver may trigger the accumulation of waste products, further leading to seizures.
4. Traumatic brain injury.
5. Electrolyte imbalance.
6. Variations in blood sugar, such as elevated or decreased blood sugar.
7. Anemia.
8. Meningitis, encephalitis, etc.
9. Idiopathic causes (cause or contributing component unknown)

What goes behind the scenes of signal failure: seizures occurrence

Now we have established that certain signal failures are causing this entire ruckus of traffic and rash driving, let us understand in brief what exactly happens in the brain when we talk about seizures.

Nerves function on electrical impulses. Under normal conditions, traffic is well regulated with proper signal control and a set speed limit for the brain. 

(Fun Fact: Nerve impulses through large fibers travel at a whopping speed of  80 - 120 m/s, approximately 288- 431 kilometers per hour!!!)

However, during seizures in cats, there is an imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory impulses. The red light and green light mechanisms fail. When a group of neurons becomes overly excited, they start firing together uncontrolled, leading to a seizure. There are three stages of seizures in cats/ seizures in general:

1. The initial period/ Pre-Ictal stage

The stage or time just before the actual seizure is the pre-ictal stage.

It's a time when behavior changes. Your cat may start acting or behaving strangely. You may notice that they are hiding away, appearing confused, uncomfortable, agitated, trembling, salivating, whimpering, or anxious. 

This could go on for a little while. Typically, this phase comes before the ictal phase, also known as the seizure phase. 

Signs/symptoms observed during the pre-ictal period of seizures: 

• Restlessness
• Hiding in dark spots/under the bed or sofa etc. 
• Vocalization: Increased meowing or other unusual sounds. 
• Changes in Behaviour: agitation, withdrawal from social gatherings, or excessive clinging to the owner.
• Disorientation: Cats might appear confused or unaware.
• Salivation: Increased drooling may be noticed.
• Sensitivity: The cat might react strongly to touch or noise.
• Grooming Changes: excessive grooming or no grooming at all may be observed.

2. ICTAL PERIOD (SEIZURE ACTIVITY PERIOD)

It is the actual seizure period. The duration ranges from a few seconds to five minutes. All of the body's muscles begin to contract forcefully during this time. The cat typically collapses on his or her side, appearing immobilized and twitching or paddling their legs. It will pull the head back. Involuntary or uncontrolled Frequently, there is urination, feces, and foaming salivation. 

Signs/symptoms observed during the ictal period of seizures:

• • Jerking or muscle twitching of the muscles: either a certain targeted group of muscles or the entire body starts jerking.
  • Convulsions: Severe shaking or spasms, frequently accompanied by body rigidity.

• Loss of Consciousness

• • Paddling Motions: Like swimming movements, limbs/legs can move in a paddling motion.

• Vocalizations

• Drooling: excessive salivation may happen during active seizure occurrence
• Defecation or Urination: temporarily losing control over the bowel or bladder function.
• Eye Movements: Nystagmus, or rapid or uncontrollable eye movements, may be seen.

Changes in Posture: The cat may exhibit odd postures, such as curling up or arching the back.

3. PERIOD POST-ICTAL

This one follows the Ictal period. Confusion, disorientation, salivation, and restlessness are common, and your pet is frequently perplexed by what transpired. 

The whole thing is a little odd to see, and it might even seem frightening to you as the owner, but no, epileptic convulsions don't hurt them, although they do feel a little uneasy and rattled by the experience. 

Signs/symptoms observed during the post-ictal period of seizures:

• Lethargy & Weakness: Increased tiredness or lack of energy is common; the cat may want to rest or sleep more.
• Increased Sensitivity to light, sound, or touch during this period.
• Hiding: The cat might seek out quiet, dark places as it recovers.
• Reduced Appetite: Some cats may temporarily decrease interest in food or water.

Diagnosis & finding out the faulty signal wire of the system: Diagnosis of seizures

You should take your cat to the vet immediately when you observe anything remotely or vaguely similar to a seizure. This disorder requires expert intervention as soon as possible since it involves one of the body's most intricate systems. 

Based on the history, signs, and symptoms observed, your vet may suggest certain tests, such as blood tests—including liver, kidney, glucose levels, blood picture, haemo-protozoan tests, etc. Advanced diagnostic tests include MRI and CT scans to find any focal lesions inside the brain or elsewhere in the body that may trigger your cat's seizure.

Medications and therapeutics

To control convulsions, your veterinarian will typically start treating epilepsy with medication immediately away. Selecting the appropriate drug and dosage might be difficult. When deciding which medication to administer, your veterinarian will consider your pet's age, condition, and seizure frequency, among other considerations. Anti-epileptic medications that reduce seizures are typically recommended.

HOMEOPATHIC MEDICATION

NEUROMATE for PET is a novel formulation for neurological conditions in pets that is used as a supplement for treating neurological conditions like epilepsy and aberrant brain activity. With the assistance of your veterinarian, Neuromate for pets, alongside conventional allopathic medicine, you can always control epileptic conditions.

Before administering any medications, please consult your veterinarian.

Conclusion

It is vital to know about epilepsy seizures in cats to ensure they receive the right care. These seizures, arising from altered electrical activity within the brain, have many potential causes, such as toxins, organ disorders, trauma, and hereditary factors. Being in a position to understand the symptoms that precede a seizure—pre-ictal, the actual seizure stage—ictal, and the recovery stage—post-ictal is very helpful to the owners of these pets. It is advisable to approach a vet as soon as possible; the vet may advise on other tests, such as blood tests, MRI, or CT scan, to identify the exact cause and admission of the dog to a veterinary hospital for proper treatment.

Treatment options range from traditional anti-epileptic medications to supplementary homeopathic solutions like Neuromate, which may support brain health. However, consulting a veterinarian before initiating treatment is recommended, as every cat is different. Epilepsy in cats should never be automatically considered a death sentence; with the proper approach, the cats should be capable of having comfortable, normal lives despite experiencing seizures from time to time. Being a pet parent, knowing how to address seizures and how you can help can play a huge role in the cat’s health and well-being, always ensuring your cat feels cherished and cared for throughout life’s journey.