What significant risk is associated with seizures?

The significant risk associated with seizures is systemic hypoxia and hypercapnia. During a seizure, the body's normal respiratory drive can be affected, often leading to compromised airway management and impaired ventilation. This can result in inadequate oxygen supply (hypoxia) and a buildup of carbon dioxide (hypercapnia) in the bloodstream.

As a seizure progresses, the individual may lose their ability to maintain a clear airway or effectively breathe on their own, increasing the risk of not getting sufficient oxygen to the brain and other vital organs. In severe cases, prolonged seizures can lead to significant neurocognitive deficits or even permanent brain damage if oxygen deprivation lasts for an extended period.

While hypotension and bradycardia, synchronous muscle spasms, and long-term memory loss can be associated with seizures, they do not represent the immediate and critical physiological risks posed by impaired respiration in seizure situations. Synchronous muscle spasms are typical during a seizure but are a symptom rather than a significant risk. Long-term memory loss can occur after multiple seizures or in individuals with epilepsy but is not an immediate concern during a seizure episode.